Maranzhe Hungry Lions lifted the coveted SK New Look-AUBS Motor Diesel Services Cup, when they beat Khubvi Peace Makers 1-0 in a pulsating and thrilling encounter played at Ha-Makhuvha grounds on Saturday.

Peace Maker’s reliable midfield kingpin, Dakalo “Booster” Singo, received the ball at the edge of his own half only a minute into the game, and tried to pass it back to the goalkeeper, but it was intercepted by Avhantodi Ndou, who beat the keeper hands down.

After the goal, Peace Makers regrouped and started to dictate the terms. Led by their midfield linkmen “Sony” Singo and “Roadblock” Randima, they raided the Lions’ danger area continuously, but lady luck was not on their side. Their undoing was trying to walk the ball into the net, while the Lions’ defence was rock-solid.

After the game, Lions’ coach, Avhafunani Sihwili, said he breathed a heavy sigh of relief when the referee blew the final whistle. “Those guys can play, but I am happy that we showed tactical discipline and held on until the final whistle,” he said. He added that this was the first cup final he had won in his coaching career. “I feel like I have just won the world cup,” he chuckled.

In the losers’ final match that was played prior to the main match that afternoon, Ngwenani Manchester beat Tshidzini Happy Fighters 3-1. Hungry Lions will be awarded a cheque valued at R4000 in honor of their achievement during a ceremony that will be held on a date and at a venue still to be announced.