By Tendai Makaripe
HARARE — Allan Wilson School won the inaugural Better Brands U20 Soccer Tournament after beating Rusununguko High School 3-2 on penalties after a goalless final.
The two sides failed to find the net in regulation time, sending the match straight to penalties.
Allan Wilson received US$10,000 for winning the tournament, while runners-up Rusununguko took home US$5,000.
Allan Wilson goalkeeper Joseph Bonde produced another decisive intervention when he saved Rusununguko’s final penalty to seal the championship.
Bonde, who was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, emerged as one of Allan Wilson’s key players during the competition.
Several players caught the eye during Allan Wilson’s title run, including those popularly known as Luvhe, Boydo, Makule, Machope, Fatso and Chris, among others. Still, the championship ultimately reflected a collective effort across the squad.
He saved about six penalties during the tournament as the hosts survived a series of tense shootouts.
Allan Wilson captain Carlson Shoniwa, who earned a place in the Team of the Tournament, credited his teammates for showing character under pressure.
“It was a very tough game, but we managed to show character,” Shoniwa said. “Credit to the boys for giving it their all for the sake of the team.”
Shoniwa also thanked Allan Wilson students, popularly known as the Sables, for rallying behind the team.
“To the Sables, thank you so much for coming in your numbers to support us,” he said. “It was the fuel we needed to succeed.”
Team manager Michael Zaza said the shootout tested Allan Wilson’s resolve, particularly after the team missed two penalties.
“I am very ecstatic. I am out of words,” Zaza said. “The game was very tense, and the penalty shootout was nerve-racking, but at the end of the day, we triumphed.”
Zaza said the missed penalties piled pressure on his players but praised them for refusing to give up.
“Missing those two penalties was very hard,” he said. “You obviously want to start with a goal in a shootout to ease some of the pressure. When you fail to score, you are under pressure.
“But I am happy the boys kept fighting, and credit to Bonde for that decisive penalty save.”
Allan Wilson headmaster Ropafadzo Matemavi said he feared the championship was slipping away after the missed penalties but remained confident that his players could recover.
“I am very delighted. The boys came and gave their all even when it appeared like it was slipping away,” Matemavi said.
“Here we don’t give up. We fight, and we also believe that naJesu zvinoita — with Jesus, everything is possible.”
Penalty shootouts became a defining feature of both teams’ routes to the final.
Allan Wilson booked its place in the championship match after beating Grace Missions High School on penalties in the semifinals.
Rusununguko also reached the final through a shootout, beating Mutare Boys High School on penalties.
Bonde ultimately delivered again when Allan Wilson needed him most, denying Rusununguko with the decisive save and securing a historic first Better Brands U20 title for the hosts.
