Lupane Select Stun ZNA Plumtree to Claim Historic Defence Forces Day Trophy
Thembelihle Mhlanga
LUPANE — In an electrifying display of local sporting talent, Lupane Select delivered a dominant performance yesterday afternoon to beat the visiting Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Plumtree camp side 5-1 at Somhlolo Stadium and lift the Defence Forces Day Trophy.
The highly charged fixture, organised as part of the annual national celebrations, saw the host team put on a strong attacking display. Striker Handsome Dube stole the show with a hat-trick, while Providence Ncube and Bhekumusa Ncube chipped in with a goal apiece. Tinashe Mutengwa netted the lone consolation goal for ZNA Plumtree, who struggled to cope with Lupane’s pace and finishing.
From the referee’s opening whistle, the local side signaled their attacking intentions, pressing high up the pitch and controlling the midfield. The early pressure paid off when Dube capitalised on a defensive mix-up inside the penalty area, calmly slotting the ball past the advancing ZNA goalkeeper to ignite the home crowd.
Dube was back on the scoresheet shortly before the half-hour mark, doubling the lead with a powerful header from a corner kick that left the opposition defence static.
ZNA Plumtree attempted to mount a comeback, bringing their physicality and tactical discipline into the contest.
Mutengwa briefly breathed life back into the army side when he unleashed a crisp half-volley from the edge of the box to pull a goal back before the break.
However, Lupane Select returned from the interval with renewed intensity. Providence Ncube restored the two-goal cushion with a composed finish following a sweeping team move down the flank.
Bhekumusa Ncube then put the result virtually out of reach with a curling effort into the top corner from distance. Dube capped off his individual performance by completing his hat-trick in the closing stages, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory.
Speaking amid celebrations from supporters on the pitch after the final whistle, Prestige Moyo, one of the Lupane Select coaches, could not hide his joy over the victory.
“This is a truly momentous occasion for Lupane sports and our entire community,” said Moyo. “It has been many years since a team from Lupane lifted this Defence Forces Day Trophy, so to achieve it in such dominant fashion against a disciplined army side like ZNA Plumtree means everything to us. The boys worked tirelessly throughout our preparations, executed our match plan to perfection, and fought for every ball out there.”
Moyo said the victory represented a major milestone for football development in Matabeleland North.
“When you see performances like the one Handsome Dube gave today, along with the entire squad’s dedication, it proves the sheer volume of raw, untapped talent we possess in this region. Lifting this cup is not merely about local bragging rights; it sends a clear message that Lupane football is entering a new era. We hope this success motivates our youth to keep believing and striving for excellence on and off the field,” Moyo added.
The encounter at Somhlolo Stadium drew community leaders, service personnel and football enthusiasts, providing a fitting climax to the Defence Forces Day festivities in the district.
