Tanzania: Mbeya Crowned Taifa Cup Kings

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Majuto Omary

28 May 2011

Mapinduzi Stars deservedly hit Mwanza Heroes 1-0 in the Kili Taifa Cup final after a superb header by striker Gaudence Mwaikimba decided the nail-biting final at Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium here.

The towering striker swooped for his eighth goal of the championship just two minutes from time, timing his run to perfection to meet team-mate Mwagane Yeya’s precise cross and brilliantly direct a header past goalkeeper Mweta William.

Mwanza Heroes, who had vowed to clinch the trophy, should have equalised when Jerry Tegete went clean through seconds later, only to shoot straight at goalkeeper Ivo Mapunda.Following the victory, Mapinduzi Stars were awarded a Sh40 million cash prize by the competition’s sponsors, Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL).

There was also a thrilling battle for the ‘Golden Boot’ award between Mwaikimba and Mwanza Heroes’ Jerryson Tegete during yesterday’s final.After a tight and nerve-wracking game, Mwaikimba claimed the honour with eight goals, two ahead of Tegete, who features for Mainland champions Young Africans.

Mwaikimba, who plays for Kagera Sugar, the Bukoba-based Premier League side, walked away with a Sh2 million cash prize.

It was a field day for Mbeya as they also produced the best coach of the championship Juma Mwambusi, who took home Sh2 million.Ilala’s Abdul Juma was named the best goalkeeper.

He also got Sh2 million from the sponsors, while Ladslaus Mbogo of Mwanza Heroes emerged the best player. He was awarded Sh500,000.Yesterday’s final started forcefully with both teams pressing upfront in turns in search of the opening goal.

Mbeya ought to have gone one up in the 60th minute when Mwaikimba’s shot narrowly missed the target.

Five minutes later, Mwanza’s goalkeeper Mweta Wiliam was forced to dive full length to clear a goal-bound shot by Juma Mpola.

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