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Innocent Kurira

Bulawayo Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  0

Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

(Chiefs won 5-3 on penalties)

IT was a dull affair until Chicken Inn decided to introduce 15-year-old Awakhiwe Tshabile in their provincial Independence Cup final against Bulawayo Chiefs at White City yesterday.

That was the moment the capacity crowd rose to the occasion.

They cheered and sang for the youngster.

His introduction moment even drew a standing ovation from Bulawayo Minister of State and Provincial Affairs, Judith Ncube, who watched the game from the VIP section.

Tshabile was given the captain’s armband when he came on and the crowd went wild.

The 15-year-old Chicken Inn skillful winger had a life-changing campaign in the Cosafa Schools Under-15 tournament, which was held at Gateway High School in Harare late last year.

He played as a starter for much of the tournament in which the young stars finished in third place after defeating Namibia in the third-place match.

The Mpopoma High School student said his dream is to play for the biggest club in England.

Yesterday, he had a few touches of brilliance, of course being spurred on by the crowd.

However, Chicken Inn would end the day as runners-up as they lost the game via the penalty lottery after a goal-less draw in regulation time.

Bulawayo Chiefs converted all their spot kicks taken by Clement Makamba, Jackson Masadza, Bukhosi Sibanda, Cephas Musikavanhu, and Panashe Shoko.

Brendon Mpofu skied his effort for Chicken Inn while Malvin Hwata, Leroy Ndlovu, and Tadiwa Chibunyu were on target for the Gamecocks.

Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda was pleased after the victory.

“This is an important event as we were celebrating this country’s Independence Day. It’s a special occasion and it feels good to have won such a game. We are grateful to the Government for giving us this opportunity. We pray that we continue to be selected to play in such tournaments,” said Sibanda.