By Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
Shabanie Mine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)3
Chiredzi FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
GANGLY forward Daniel Chakupe was the toast of Zvishavane yesterday after a superb performance propelled 10-man Shabanie Mine to a deserved victory in this Castle Lager Premiership tie at Maglas yesterday.
At a time when the league’s misfiring forwards have come under the microscope, the former Motor Action striker gave us a timely reminder that quality forwards still roam our Premiership with a fine display that was at the heart of his team’s win.
The 28-year-old, off-loaded by ZPC Kariba after he helped them burst into the Premiership, grabbed a superb brace in the 31st minute and 70th minute to ease Shabanie into fifth place.
Defender Godknows Murwira wrapped this match with another great goal, fired on the run, on a day when the home team found their attacking range and produced quality goals.
Chakupe broke the Chiredzi resistance when he found himself in acres of space, after being fed by Zvikomborero Biseck, and rifled an unstoppable rising shot, with his left foot, which gave the ‘keeper Simon Kafitare no chance.
Then Allan Tavariswa was sent for an early shower for a second bookable offence by Bulawayo referee Mandlenkosi Sibanda and it opened a window of hope for a Chiredzi recovery.
But after Norman Maroto missed a beauty, when put through clean on goal, Chakupe showed him how it is done when he exchanged passes with Ashley “Mabhurugwa” Mukwena and then created his space with his superb off-the-ball run but could not lift the ball past the exposed ‘keeper.
The rebound fell kindly for him and he stroked the ball home with his left foot. But the day belonged to Chakupe.
“I am happy to have scored a brace and I hope Shabanie will continue playing like that. In my last game I did not put enough effort but with the help of my coach, and the criticism from the press, it helped me to work harder,” said the former Nyamhunga High student who is an electrician by profession.
Shabanie had 19 attempts at goal, of which nine were on target.
Chiredzi coach Moses “Bambo” Chunga blasted his players for a lacklustre show.“We played like amateurs today. I am disappointed by the defeat. The boys were always second to the ball and my word to them is that if they are not in the mood to play soccer they must stay at home,” said Chunga.
Shabanie coach John Phiri said he was happy that Chakupe delivered.
“I am happy for Daniel. I wish him well and I hope my team will continue playing good and entertaining football. There is competition in the camp and we could have won by a wider margin,” he said. The Herald
Teams
Shabanie: L. Zulu, G. Murwira, N. Merson, S. Muchabayiwa, R. Mware, D. Sibanda, L. Matawu (A. Mukwena 39th min), B. Zvikomborero (M. Dikinya 58th min), H. Muvundi (E. Tsoro 89th min ),A. Tavarwisa, D. Chakupe
Chiredzi: S. Kafitire, B. Pamhirwa., G. Kwaramba, D. Bakali, L. Manyande(T. Dephistara 46th min), J. Dzingai (Z. Zezai 27th min),S. Msimbu (M. Gaki 46th min), N. Maroto ,A. Gwatidzo, W. Kamudyariwa
