FC Platinum clinch Independence Cup in bizarre final

4 weeks ago

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FC Platinum and Simba Bhora battled for 15 minutes in the Independence Cup final

By Auther Chimbgwa

FC Platinum have clinched the 2025 President’s Independence Cup on a 3-0 score line after penalties in a final played over an unprecedented 15 minutes due to a delayed kick-off and an unplayable pitch at Mutora Open Grounds in Nembudziya, Gokwe Friday.

Teams arrived late after their buses were stuck in traffic due to lack of police escort to the venue.

The match resembled a skiing event as players tussled in puddles of water after heavy rains pounded the area earlier in the day, making the venue less navigable among crowds that thronged the venue for the main Independence Day celebrations.

The match had ended goalless following the bizarre 15 minute duel between the Zimbabwe premiership’s four-time in a row champions and the reigning champions.

Simba Bhora missed all their penalties with FC Platinum converting three of their spot kicks.

This is the fourth time that FC Platinum has won the Independence Cup after similar triumphs in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Dynamos were the Independence Cup holders after beating Highlanders 1-0 last year.

This year, Dynamos and Highlanders were overlooked for the final of the invitational competition owing to poor form.

PREVIOUS INDEPENDENCE CUP WINNERS:

1983 : Dynamos (Harare)
1984 : Dynamos (Harare)
1985 : Zonal match
1986 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
1987 : Black Rhinos (Harare)
1988 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
1989 : Zimbabwe Saints (Bulawayo)
1990 : Dynamos (Harare)
1991 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
1992 : CAPS United (Harare)
1993 : CAPS United (Harare)
1994 : Chapungu United (Gweru)
1995 : Dynamos (Harare)
1996 : CAPS United (Harare)
1997 : CAPS United (Harare)
1998 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
1999 : Amazulu (Bulawayo)
2000 : No cup held
2001 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
2002 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
2003 : Black Rhinos (Harare)
2004 : Dynamos (Harare)
2005 : Motor Action
2006 : Masvingo United (Masvingo)
2007 : Masvingo United (Masvingo)
2008 : Shooting Stars
2009 : Njube Sundowns (Gwanda)
2010 : Dynamos (Harare)
2011 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
2012 : Platinum (Zvishavane)
2013 : Dynamos (Harare)
2014 : Platinum (Zvishavane)
2015 : Platinum (Zvishavane)
2016 : Chicken Inn FC (Bulawayo)
2017 : Dynamos (Harare)
2019 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
2020 : Not held
2021 : Dynamos (Harare)
2022 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
2023 : Highlanders (Bulawayo)
2024 : Dynamos (Harare)