It is all over, 38 weeks of intriguing fixtures has come to an end. Done and dusted Zebras FC
have walked away with the 2022 Rhino Cup Championship League (RCCL ZIM).
As captain Devine Nekatambe lifted the prestigious Rhino Cup it was all celebrations and
champagne popping as Chezhou. Zebras finally reached the mountaintop in 2022 and history
made in an unforgettable fashion as the Zebras 5-1 triumph over spirited Mpalanyana brought its
first title to Chezhou.
The stakes were high as they were leading with only two points going into the final game. After
the what-ifs from the past weeks the Zebras made their intentions known on the last decisive
game as they left no stone unturned. The powerhouse squad demonstrated clear vision and heart
on their path to victory.
Although Mpalanyana ceded ground to the champions on the last day they made it into the top
five finishing fourth on the table with 81 points, 12 adrift from champions.
In bringing the RCCL Iganyana league curtains down, Zebras managed to collect 93 points all
the rounds of play having lost one game, drawn nine and winning 28 games. Second placed
energetic youthful Honey Badgers who gave the champions a good run for their money, had 91
points- six more than local Dete rivals Sparrows who finished third.
“The celebrations of this historic championship featured insightful probing coverage from the
media alongside stunning photography documenting the remarkable run all the way up to the
ultimate celebration in Chezhou. Chezhou was a place to be as there was a bumper crowd.
“They sang and danced all the way setting the stage alight with traditional dance and beating of
drums ingoma mutimbe and a mix of siperu dance. The school kids were also in full force as this
summed it all”, said RCCL CEO Ndodana Masuku.
“Visiting Mpalanyana came with a drove of supporters to cheer them up but the 12th man failed
to inspire them to victory. Their passionate supporters were playing their music aloud but to no
avail as the Zebras technical bench were superior on the day,” he added.
In the battle to avoid relegation Leopards escaped the chop by goal difference with Aardvark as
they shared spoils of 34 points. Forgotten giants in the Iganyana Division Delta Elephants of
Hwange Safari Lodge were relegated alongside Crocodiles.
