Former Baroka goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe paid tribute to Cavin Johnson after winning the record-equalling sixth COSAFA Cup title on Sunday.
Chibwe, whose PSL debut was at Platinum Stars under Johnson, last month joined Zambian giants Zesco on a two-year deal.
The Rustenburg-born player had been unattached since parting ways with Baroka in January.
In his tribute, posted on Instagram, the 29-year-old goalie wrote: “The Lord said I got your back. Six months later, after not having game time!!! Today I’m a champion all because I never gave up! God is Great; he will never forsake nor leave you. Cavin Johnson gave me my first game in the PSL; I will never forget you in my life. God bless.”
In the post, he is pictured lifting the Cosafa trophy with Johnson standing next to him.
Besides Baroka and Platinum Stars, Chibwe also featured for Polokwane City and Jomo Cosmos in the PSL.
Going into the final, Zambia coach Aljosa Asanovic made three changes to his team heading into the final. Cyril Mwenya Chibwe, whose semi-final performance was not impressive, Prince Mumba and Patrick Gondwe made way for Charles Kalumba, Saddam Yusuf Phiri and Joshua ‘Budo’ Mutale.
Albert Kangwanda’s spectacular extra-time goal made the difference as the Copper Bullets beat Namibia 1-0 to lift the 2022 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup.
It was a repeat of the 1998 final, with the Brave Warriors playing a low block to thwart Chipolopolo and possibly catch them on the counter.
It took substitute Kangwanda’s immaculate strike to propel Zambia to a 1-0 win over Namibia. Chipolopolo joins Zimbabwe as the two most successful southern African sides (six COSAFA titles each).
The Warriors were not part of this year’s edition due to a FIFA ban from all international football activities.
Meanwhile, Zambia midfielder Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba was named COSAFA Cup Player of the Tournament. Mubanga was influential for the Copper Bullets, scoring and creating two goals as they edged guest nation Senegal 4-3 to progress to the final.
Namibia’s Edward Maova won the Golden Glove, while Eswatini forward Sabelo Ndzinisa won the Golden Boot. He scored three goals in the competition. Botswana’s Zebras walked away with the Fair Play Award.
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