By Jafferson Ndhlovu,

 

Harare City FC are the champions of the Chibuku Cup after beating Bulawayo based side How Mine 3-1 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

Sunshine Boys as the Harare City Council sponsored are affectionately called will now have another dance in the brutal African Safari.

Goals from Edwin Madhananga and a double from William Manondo and a late consolation from Peter Rio Moyo all came in the second half.

City will be back Caf Confederation Cup for the second. In 2016 they were eliminate by Zanaco FC of Zambia in the second round.

The first was all cagey and sometimes dull duel. Which ended in a stalemate as none of two side could break the each other. But the second have came more alive.

It was Madhananga who broke the deadlock on the 65th minute mark to send the rather spacey crowd at the ceremonial home of football Rufaro.

Eight minutes later two goal hero Manondo slotted home his first and minute late he scored the second goal. The 73rd and 74th minute goal for Manondo brings to three his goal tally in the 2017 Chibuku Cup tournament.

The Kelvin Kaindu coached side How Mine got a consolation with five minutes left on clock via a Moyo strike.

Harare City are sitting just above the relegation table and fighting hard to stay in top flight. And on Wednesday take Army side Black Rhino, hopefully they can start a late push away from relegation. Otherwise they will representing the country in Africa from a lower division.

Asked on the outcome of the cup final. The bubbly Manondo said.” Firstly I would like to thank the Almight for the gift today. It was not an easy game but we have managed to win. We utilised our chances. And I am happy myself I scored the goals”

Quizzed about his readiness for the 2018 African safari. He added” (I am) more that fit and we try our best to do better in the confederation (cup)”

Its a sweet win for coach Philani Beefy Ncube having been roped in late to try and revive the club after a dismal start to the season by Mike Madzivanyika.

The first trophy in the cabinet for the former coach of the year in short stint at the Sunshine Boys. Focus now moves to making sure they stay afloat in Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.