Tshakhuma RO United showed their older brothers, Rospa United, no respect when they beat them 5-3 in the final of the Rospa United Winter Challenge at the Vuwani Mandani grounds on Saturday.

As if they campaign in the same division, RO matched Rospa pound for pound in all departments. RO could have sealed the game in the first half, but they were unfortunate in the 17th minute. Lufuno Mugodi gave the ball the final touch, following a square pass by Victor Makhaukhau, only to realise that the assistant referee’s flag was already up for an offside.

That did not demoralise his teammates as they continued to fight like a unit. The former Black Leopards playmaker, Christopher “Matari”  Netshidzivhe, distributed telling passes to the strikers, who fumbled at the goal finish from time to time.

The referee, Mr Eric Munyai, flashed the first yellow card in the 34th minute. Thinandavha Mandiba of Rospa obstructed Asivhanzhi Muthubi. Rospa played the better part of the second half with their hands tied behind their backs. Thinandavha Mandiba was given his marching orders after tackling Luvhengo Mulisa the rough way.

The scoreboard was still blank at the end of the regulation time and the winner was determined through penalty shootout.

Tshakhuma RO United converted all five their chances through Victor Makhaukhau, Khathutshelo Mukomafhedzi, Nndwamato Miriri, Nndwakhuku Mathisa and Asivhanzhi Muthibi, while Rospa scored three via Rendani Madega, Oscar Silima and Mashudu Mashapha. 

In their loser's final match in the Rospa United Winter Challenge, Ramukhuba Young Brothers beat Phadziri FC 2-1.