Mpopoma Sports Academy (MPOSA) hammered the final nail into Highlanders Royals’ coffin with a 1-0 victory at Ascot Grounds in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon, in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League.
The defeat confirms the relegation of the Highlanders female side from the top-flight league, capping one of the worst overall seasons in the club’s history.
Across all teams, Bosso battled against relegation. While the junior sides (Under-13, -15, and -17) were not in relegation battles, they also failed to secure any titles this season.
The match’s only goal came from MPOSA’s gangling striker, Rufaro Maphosa, who converted a 71st-minute penalty, beating Royals’ goalkeeper Nobukhosi Ngwenya.
The Royals had a chance to take the lead in the first half after winning a penalty of their own in the 44th minute. However, Juliet Tafataona’s spot-kick struck the underside of the crossbar and rolled out of touch.
The result was rendered even more painful for Highlanders as their rivals for the final relegation slot, Cranborne Royals, secured their place in the league with a walkover win against Red Buffaloes, who failed to show up for their final match.
The league title was won by Herentals Queens.
Full-time Results – Match Day 30
· Herentals Queens 2-2 Black Rhinos Queens
· Black Mambas 1-3 Correctional Queens
· Highlanders Royals 0-1 Mpopoma Sports Academy
· Conduit Soccer Academy 2-4 Chapungu Queens
· Harare City Queens 0-1 Platinum Royals
· Cranborne Royals 3-0 Red Buffaloes (Walkover)
Relegated Teams
· Highlanders Royals
· Red Buffaloes
· Black Mambas