adminBLACK Mambas striker Peter Kachirika struck a brace in a league match at Morris Depot yesterday to help his team collect maximum points, which are crucial in the relegation battle.
Warumwa Warumwa, who had drawn their last four matches, got the better of battling Hwange and sixth from bottom with 28 points. They leap frogged Chipangano who have been on a free fall and have sunk into the relegation zone.
Kachirika breached the visitors defence in the 62nd minute when midfielder Godfery Mangani dribbled his way into the box and his shot caught a deflection, with the striker ghosting from the right side to finish off the effort.
The former Dynamos forward completed his brace in the 86th minute when again he benefited from Mangani, who was industrious in the middle of the park, and sent a fine delivery to the veteran striker.
And Black Mambas assistant coach Martin Bonyongwe said they are happy with the win and are looking forward to ending the season strongly.
“We were not prepared for the formation they employed in the first half and we adjusted in the second half. We are pleased with three points after four consecutive draws. We have leapfrogged
Hwange and want to continue winning. We just hope we would be fortunate against Highlanders and we will go there with a positive approach. We are not yet safe from relegation so we want to win our remaining matches,” said Bonyongwe.
Chipangano were left searching for their first win under Nation Dube who has been elevated to the hot seat following the demotion of Zambian mentor Tennant Chilumba to the juniors.
However, Dube who will meet Dynamos at the Colliery on Sunday gave credit to his charges. He added that they are missing injured Rodwell Chinyengetere.
“I don’t think we played badly. We missed chances in the first half. When they started employing long balls the midfield was cut off supply. But I don’t think with this kind of play we will go wrong. We are worried, everyone is worried with our position but we are confident we will retain the Premiership status as we still have some matches to play.
“We are feeling his (Chinyengetere’s) absence. He is recovering and the good thing is he has accepted his situation. He can now freely chat unlike the first days it was difficult for him,” said Dube.
The coach said they will work on their mistakes ahead of the their encounter with Dynamos. He predicted there will no tension in the match against Dynamos despite the skirmishes that marred the first meeting between the two teams at Rufaro in Harare where Dube was allegedly assaulted by Dynamos marshals.
“We are football people and we will only play football and will not intimidate them, no dirty tricks but we will play our normal game,” said Dube.
The match began with the visitors making some inroads and Tawanda Mareya’s effort in the 24th minute forced fine reflexes from Mambas goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga. The former Eagles and Mwana Africa player could have scored at least a goal and in the second period watched in agony as the Mambas keeper saved his header.
Mambas’meaningful chance in the first half fell to forward Last Chibwiro but his effort went over the bar.
However, they regrouped after the breather and after a quarter of an hour the hosts scored.
Black Mambas: T. Mateyaunga, T. Chinungo, B. Nyahunzvi, S. Mtenheri, K. Kapikinyu, I. Nyoni, G. Mangani(N. Arifandika 90th minute), K. Chimbadzwa(T Rantokane 84th minute), B. Chirimanzi, L. Chibwiro, P. Kachirika.
Hwange: T. Sibanda, W. Mhango, A. Katebe, D. Boriwondo, G. Ndlovu, M. Mungadze, O. Mpofu, F. Vimisayi(D. Kamunenga 70th minute), M. Longwe(A. Tavarwisa 70th minute), E. Rusike, T. Mareya
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu