Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BUFFALOES are beginning to see a bright title campaign after edging FC Wangu Mazodze 1-0 in a Pacific Storm Eastern Region encounter at Vengere, in Rusape on Saturday.
The win propelled the Kennedy Kachara-coached side to 36 points and within striking distance of the championship race.
Terence Marikano’s 31st-minute goal made the difference, and the army side are now trailing joint leaders FC Hunters, who are on 41 points with five points.
Masvingo (38 points) as of yesterday, had a chance to tally their points with Hunters when they travelled to Rusitu Tigers on Sunday.
Tenax (37 points) were not in action as they are out of the country for the SADC Prisons games.
Buffaloes head coach Kachara hailed the win as a morale booster ahead of their next encounter against Rusitu Tigers.
“We’re very confident because the boys are playing well, they are playing good football, and we are scoring goals,” Kachara said.
“So, we’re very confident that we are going to clinch the championship. This win is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication and the target is ultimately the title and promotion,” he said.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
Marikano’s strike, however, calmed the nerves for Watungwa-Watungwa who are now dreaming of a top-flight comeback.
“It is wins like these that make a team believe again, the fighting spirit I saw from the lads is all what we need in this race.
“We will take each game as it comes and we know it is going to be a tight contest but we are not going to look at our opponents,” said Kachara.
Despite missing several opportunities, Mazodze’s interim coach Emion Maganga acknowledged that it wasn’t their day and conceded that they are out of the title race.
“We tried hard, but it was not our day,” Maganga said.
“We created a lot of chances, but the boys failed to capitalise. We take it as part of the game and move on.
“In terms of the championship race I think we are off the rails. Mathematically we are out the title race,” he said.
The atmosphere at Vengere was electric, with performances from entertainers Jah Master and Nisha Ts keeping fans on their toes before the match at the break and after the match.
The coming in of their title sponsors have also brought spark into the league, a development that has been hailed by stakeholders.
