Chronicle Editor
Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
Black Rhinos 1-0 Shabanie Mine
BLACK Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa believes it is possible for his side to finish in the top six following yesterday’s win over relegated Shabanie Mine in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium.
Honey Chimutimunzeve was on target for the hosts in the 12th minute, capitalising on Shabanie Mine goalkeeper Biggie Temera’s failure to deal with a long ball from Wonder Kapinda.
Temera rushed out of his box in a bid to clear the ball after his defenders had been caught at sea by Kapinda’s effort.
But the Shabanie Mine goalkeeper missed the ball and unmarked Chimutimunzeve punished him by driving the ball home from close range.
Yesterday’s victory helped Rhinos one place up to ninth on the log table.
After dropping seven points in their last three games, Maruwa was happy to see his charges bounce back.
“It was a hard fought win. We got a lot of chances especially in the first half and we failed to convert and where we are coming from, we have been drawing especially having scored the first half. But today we managed to defend our goal.
“But basically as a coach I am quite happy . . . because like I said before we need to finish on a high note.
Now as you can see the teams which are on top of us we are separated by a point.
“So we are going to fight hard especially the last game against Ngezi such that we manage to be in top six and we are going to meet that target. It’s very possible,” said Maruwa.
The army side who were in control of the game from the onset, could have doubled the score in the 19th minute through Wellington Taderera but his effort from the edge of the box went wide.
Masimba Mambare’s shot off a rebound from Taderera’s effort in the 44th minute was cleared from the line by Nyasha Mpofu, who had a good day in defence.
Rhinos continued to trouble the visitors, in the second half, creating several chances but lacked precision in front of the goal.
Despite the defeat, Shabanie coach Alexio Sigion, who travelled with a depleted side of 14 players was still happy with his charges’ commitment.
“Our situation is bad…we are facing financial challenges. So some players have given up since the time we were relegated, most of the players have given up.
“There is nothing we can do, we just play so that we can finish up our games.
“I think for me it was one of my best games. My guys showed so much character in terms of the approach to the game despite the fact that we just meet and play. So for me it is one of the best games.
“I appreciate and I salute my guys for the job well done. Losing is part of the game,” said Sigion.
Teams
Black Rhinos: H Rusawo, M Kureva (E Chigiji 49th minute), F Banda, B Homora, M Mambare (V Mhandu 65th minute), T Sibanda, W Kapinda, T Jaravani, H Chimutimunzeve (A Gahadzikwa 78th minute), W Taderera, D Mudadi.
Shabanie Mine: B Temera, P Nyamvundu, W Kahuni, N Mpofu, D Taderera, P Siziba (A Kambanje 49th minute), P Shoko, M Murimi, F Muza (J Sibanda 74th minute), N Papius, R Pakamisa (T Mupumha 62nd minute).
Online Reporter