ZPC Kariba torch misfiring Highlanders

HARARE – After narrowly missing out on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title last season, ZPC Kariba came out firing for the 2015 campaign and deservedly beat misfiring Highlanders at Gwanzura yesterday.

Exciting forward Raphael Manuwire, who was making a return to the team after a lengthy injury-inspired lay-off, opened the scoring in the 26th minute from the penalty spot.

Former Dynamos winger Russel Madamombe was fouled by Bosso right-back Webster Chingodza.

Bosso felt referee Thabani Bamala was harsh on them when he awarded the penalty and their argument was that not only did Madamombe go down easily, he also fell just outside the box.

Predatory striker Artwell “Tuhwe” Nyamiwa doubled the lead for the electricians two minutes from the break when he beat the offside trap, raced onto a cheeky chip by Dexter Phiri and expertly placed the ball beyond the reach of Bosso keeper Njabulo Nyoni.

Highlanders dominated the early exchanges with new kid on the block Thomas Chidewu, causing all sorts of problems for the ZPC Kariba centre-back pair of Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda and veteran George Magariro.

The ginger-haired Young Warriors striker and former Prince Edward schoolboy showed flashes of brilliance and the future looks bright for the 18-year-old.

He threatened as early as the ninth minute, but his shot was blocked by Dauda.

Bosso centre-back and former Shabanie Mine player Douglas Sibanda’s ferocious free kick was parried for a corner by unheralded ZPC Kariba ’keeper Wilson Muchenje after 15 minutes of play as the visitors tried to stamp their authority early on.

Muchenje held fort in the absence of reigning Goalkeeper of the Year Tendai Hove who is still nursing an injury.

ZPC Kariba coach Saul Chaminuka hailed his players before delving into his famous mind games when asked about his targets this season.

“It was an important victory, a morale booster because it is always nice to start with a win. Probably it is a good omen for us because we want to avoid relegation first and then see what happens later,” he said.

Bosso coach Bongani Mafu felt the penalty was the turning point of the game.

“The boys lacked mental strength after that penalty, they thought the impeded player was outside the box and it demoralised them.

“We still have a lot of work to do though. We dominated some parts of the game, but failed to convert the chances. It is back to the drawing board,” said Mafu.

Teams:

ZPC Kariba: W. Muchenje, D. Dauda, R. Manuvire (P. Makanje, 85th), S. Sheshe, T. Munyanduri, D. Phiri, T. Magorimbo, P. Tafirenyika, A. Nyamiwa (T. Nyamandwe, 60th), R. Madamombe (T. Ranthokoane, 67th), G. Magariro

Highlanders: N. Nyoni, B. Kangwa (G. Makaruse), G. Nyoni, W. Chingodza, H. Moyo, D. Sibanda, F. Chindungwe, E. Mudzingwa (E. Muzanenhamo, 72nd), N. Masuku (M. Maphosa, 53rd), T. Chidewu, O. Tarumbwa. The Sunday Mail