Nkayi United Crowned Dibula Matibula Cup Champs

Nkosilathi Sibanda, nkosilathi.sibanda@chronicle.co.zw
NKAYI United warmed up for the new Zifa Southern Region Division One campaign with a convincing win after beating Hwange 2-0 to claim the Dibula Matibula Cup at White City Stadium yesterday.
Forward Cleopas Dube struck twice in the first-half and that proved enough to secure the pre-season title for Nkayi, who now head into the league kickoff on March 21 with confidence.
The four-team tournament brought together last season’s second to fifth-placed sides in the Southern Region. Nkayi United, Hwange, Casmyn and Bulawayo City all used the event to test combinations and fitness before the league programme begins.Demographics
Nkayi United were sharper in the final and dictated the tempo from the opening minutes while Hwange struggled to settle.
Dube broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a neat finish that drew cheers from the small group of Nkayi supporters.
He struck again in the 35th minute, finishing calmly after Nkayi carved open the Hwange defence.
That second goal left Hwange chasing the game and they never recovered.
Nkayi managed the second half well, keeping their shape and denying Hwange clear chances.
Earlier in the tournament, Nkayi had booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Casmyn.
Hwange needed penalties to reach the final after drawing 1-1 with Bulawayo City before winning the shootout 5-4.
Nkayi United coach Reginald Buhali said the result reflected the effort the squad has put into preparations for the season.Demographics
“We prepared well for this tournament and for the league campaign,” he said. “The players worked hard, and it showed on the pitch. This gives us a good feeling as we head into the season.”
Hwange coach Njabulo Dube said his side would take lessons from the defeat as they turn attention to the league.
“It was a cup match, and the league will be different,” he said. “We still have work to do before the season begins.”
Casmyn finished third after edging Bulawayo City 3-2 in the playoff earlier in the day.
Source: heraldonline.co.zw