From Ray Bande in MUTARE
Buffaloes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1
Triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 0
MOSES “Bambo” Chunga collected his first full set of points in charge of Buffaloes when the Mutare side dismissed fellow Eastern Region outfit Triangle in a lifeless encounter at Sakubva yesterday.
Buffaloes began life under the former Warriors captain a fortnight ago when they forced a goalless stalemate away against title-chasing Highlanders.
On a day that Chunga handed out a few Buffaloes replica jerseys to fans, just before kick-off as he endeared himself to the home supporters, this was a big result for the hosts.
Both teams failed to rise to the occasion although the home team had more shots on target compared to their opponents, especially in the first half.
Young Buffaloes’ attacking midfielder Takunda Jefrey was unlucky not to have his name on the scoresheet in the 19th minute when his powerful long range shot went just a few inches above the crossbar.
Ten minutes later Watungwa Watungwa had rightback Liberty Chakoroma to thank after Triangle striker Graham Ncube’s menacing header beat goalkeeper Itai Chiwara but the defender cleared off the line.
Buffaloes’ problem child Admire “Yaya” Dzumbunu, who was missing in action of late due to disciplinary issues, was also unlucky to hit the upright after he had done well to beat Triangle goalkeeper Ronald Mudimu with an intelligent turn-and-shoot effort from the edge of the box.
However, Kastigu Juwakinyu rose from the bench to propel Buffaloes into the lead in the 76th minute when he headed into a yawning net after jittery Triangle defender Jimmy Tigere beat his own goalkeeper in a desperate attempt to clear the ball.
Chunga told the media that his team did not really play well owing to the two-week break they had leading into this encounter. “I think the boys did not really play their usual game simply because of the break that we had.
“In any sport, continuity is vital and when one is not active it breaks the rhythm. However, I am happy with the result and any other coach would feel the same way,” said Chunga.
Triangle coach Biggie Zuze said Buffaloes were lucky to win the match.
“This was a 50-50 situation and we could also have won this match if we were a bit lucky like our opponents.
“We gave away a silly goal after one of our defenders failed to communicate well with the ‘keeper.
“Otherwise, we played well and we had a lot of discipline with the ball.”
Teams
Buffaloes: I. Chiwara; L. Chakoroma; K. Thembani; P. Chandisaita; P. Matizanadzo; T. Mombeshora; J. Takunda; E. Dzumbunu (K. Juwakinyu, 62nd min); A. Dzumbunu, 87th min); P. Thembani (R. Mwenga, 81st min); L. Katongomara:
Triangle: R. Mudimu; B. Chimwamuchere; C. Rukwanhi; W. Mapfumo; J. Tigere; T. Chipunza; P. Tonha; M. Nelson; B. Juwayeyi; F. Kuswatuka; G. Ncube (R. Kawondera, 70th min) Manica Post
