Marufu beauty seals contest

By Grace Chingoma

ZDF Select . . . . . . (1) 2

CAPS United . . . . . . . .0

Veteran forward Phillip Marufu scored a beauty as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Select deservedly beat high-flying Premiership side CAPS United to lift the Defence Forces Cup at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

The ZDF Select, featuring players from Premiership side Chapungu and Division One sides Black Rhinos and Tongogara, played some good football, especially in attack, and were full value for their victory that was sealed by a superb goal from Marufu.

The Minister of Defence Sydney Sekeramayi presented the winners with a trophy while they also received $7 000 for their success with the Green Machine getting $5 000.

Some of the important guests who watched the match, which produced a good contest dominated by the defence forces, were the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perrance Shiri and Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.

Goals from Black Rhinos forward Vincent Mhandu in the 16th minute and Marufu in the 55th minute saw the ZDF Select make light work of the former Zimbabwe champions in a match watched by a huge crowd at the giant stadium.

Rhinos provided the bulk of the players in the team and their attacking crew, led by Maheya and Mhandu, caught the eye.

ZDF Select coach Maronga Nyangela was thrilled with the victory.

“It is a great victory indeed. I am happy because we have claimed back the trophy which was taken by Dynamos last year,” he said.

“The team played according to plan despite the fact that we only trained for three days.

“There is depth in defence forces teams and this team is going to be one of the best defence teams.

“CAPS United are a good team. They are on top of the log (second in the Premiership), we respect them but today we didn’t give them much respect.

“We wanted to win.”

CAPS United assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi said they picked some positives from a match in which ‘keeper Edmore Sibanda was introduced in the second half as an infield player.

“It was a good game of football. We dominated possession but didn’t have the decisiveness in the final third,” said Kwashi.

“We are grateful for being invited here, even though we rested eight of our regular starters we were able to play well and see what other players have got to offer.

“I was impressed with this game. We now know the level of the performances of all our players because match fitness is different compared to training fitness.

“If you look at young players like Amon (Kambanje, striker) he had a great game and kept possession. Valentine (Musarurwa) did well.

“In a squad of many players, it is important to rotate the players and players should always fight for their places.

“Overally, I am happy. I am not worried about the result as it was about the football being played.”

He also praised the ZDF Select team.

“Well done to the ZDF team. They showed discipline, tight defence and were good in midfield. They managed to hit us on the counter,” he said.

CAPS United gave a run to some of the players that have not been commanding first team places while midfielder Devon Chafa and skipper Stephen Makatuka provided the stability.

Chafa was replaced by Archford Gutu at half time as the coaches sought to give Gutu, who is lacking match fitness, some game time. However, CAPS United goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo conceded two goals on his return into action.

He was beaten by a beauty from Marufu who curled the ball home with precision, from the edge of the penalty area, after finding acres of space on the left.

Teams

ZDF Select: H. Rusawo, J. Mabhugu, W. Chakanyuka, B. Homora, T. Chokuwamba, P. Ngwenya, N. Murisa, M. Mine, C. Maheya (B. Chandisaita 57th min), V. Mhandu, P. Marufu (M. Mavhuto 90th min)

CAPS United: J. Muchambo, Z. Biseki (E. Sibanda 36th minute), J. Jangano, C. Munzambwa, S. Makatuka, D. Chafa (A. Gutu 46th min), K. Nyamupfukudza, V. Musarurwa, C. Kamhapa, J. Ngodzo, A. Kambanje. The Herald