Tshakhuma RO United beat Rospa United 5-4 in the final of the Rospa United Winter Challenge KO at the Vuwani Mandani grounds on Sunday.

As if they were campaigning in the same division, RO United managed to match their elder brothers pound for pound in all departments throughout the game. Realizing that their midfield was shaky, Tshakhuma RO replaced Ndivhuwo Makhado with Victor Ratshikhopha 15 minutes into the game.

The keeper of RO, Khathutshelo Mukomafhedzi, denied the hosts a number of obvious chances in the first half. Victor Makhaukhau of RO was the first player to be booked. He tackled Oscar Silima from behind and Referee Christopher Mugeri was quick to flash a yellow card. Rospa then introduced Pfunzo Muguda and Justice Mabunda for Edgar Dumazi and Lavhelesani Mabunda respectively.

RO effected another change to their starting lineup and sacrificed Takalani Ratshilivha, who gave way to Nndateni Netshitadi early in the last half.

The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out, as no goal was seen during the regulation time.  RO converted all five their chances through Ndivhuwo Netshidongololwe, Khathutshelo Mukomafhedzi, Rendani Madega, Ricardo Miriri and Asivhanzhi Muthubi, while Rospa managed to score only four. 

In the losers’ final, Univen FC beat United Artists 3-1 to finish in third place. Killer Tshisikule scored the only goal for Artists with a penalty, while Musa Chauke, Ronny Matodzi and Bobelo Mulaudzi scored for the Univen team.

As champions, Tshakhuma RO United received R5 000, a floating trophy and gold medals. Runners-up Rospa United took home R2 500 and silver medals. Univen FC's players were presented with R1 500 and bronze medals during a ceremony that was held at the grounds shortly after the final.

Rendani Madega of Tshkahuma RO won the top goal scorer award, while the coach of Rospa United FC, Mr Benjamin Mhlaba, was voted the best coach.

During the ceremony, Mayor David Mutavhatsindi of Makhado Municipality stated that his municipality would build a stadium at the same ground during the current financial year. He also pledged that the municipality would give the champions, Tshakhuma RO United, a soccer kit, apart from the prizes they received.

The managing director of Rospa United FC, Mr Joseph Mutavhatsindi, indicated that they will continue to stage the tournament in the coming years. He reveled that their reason for staging the tournament was to for scout players. Twenty teams took part in this year’s tournament.