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Fungai Muderere at Luveve Stadium
Bulawayo Chiefs 2-1 Greenfuel
BULAWAYO Chiefs came from a goal behind to collect maximum points against visiting Greenfuel in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium yesterday.
Boyz Dzenharo, as Greenfuel are affectionately known was thrust into the lead by seasoned Clive Rupiya in the 21st minute after his blistering shot from close range beat a badly exposed Prosper Matutu on his near side.
The Chisumbanje-based side deserved the early lead as they dominated the exchanges in the first half of the game.
In the second stanza, Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda mentored Amakhosi Amahle had other thoughts as they came out a fired-up lot throwing the game at Greenfuel to mute their rhythm.
In the 58th minute tricky Godfrey Muchenje got the equaliser for the hosts after getting to an end of a Nkosiyabo Masilela fine delivery from the left.
It was not long before Leroy “Lister” Ndlovu, an ex-Black Mambas and Chicken Inn striker, made it two for Bulawayo Chiefs as he coolly nodded home a Masilela inviting cross from the right.
“It’s a good result for us and I’m happy for the boys. We might be losing players to other clubs, but I’m very much confident we will continue to get some other talented players and collect more crucial points as compared to the first half of the season. It’s still game on from our end,” said an ecstatic Sibanda in his post-match interview.
Chiefs, who have already lost the services of striker Never Rauzhi, Xolisani “Scara” Moyo and Miguel Feldman to Highlanders, TelOne and Chicken Inn respectively in the on-going second transfer window, are now on 23 points, 11 behind log leaders FC Platinum who face Chegutu Pirates at Baobab Stadium this afternoon.
However, Rauzhi, was handed his last cap at Amakhosi Amahle in a match that was watched by Highlanders chief executive officer, Sihlangu Dlodlo, vice-chairman Fiso Siziba and Bosso followers.
It is Rauzhi’s speed and ball artistry that might have compelled Bosso to hunt for his signature. He was lured on a six-month loan deal.
Greenfuel are on 20 points and their assistant coach,Taurai Mangwiro, was a dejected man.
“After we got the goal in the first half, we thought we were now on course to collect our full set of points on the road. In the second half, we wanted to get a cushion goal. We need to get the team out of the mud. We need to survive relegation. Yes, we found an already assembled team, it’s a well-balanced team but since the transfer-window is still open, we hope we will be able to bring our own players on board,” said Mangwiro.
At Greenfuel, the well-travelled Mangwiro is the assistant coach to Saul Chaminuka who recently parted ways with PSL new boys Bikita Minerals.
Teams:
Bulawayo Chiefs:
Prosper Matutu (gk), Cephas Musikavanhu, Bukhosi Sibanda (L Ndlovu 64’), Emmanuel Chikwende, Nkosiyabo Masilela, Lucky Ndlela, Panashe Shoko, Never Rauzhi, Malvern Hativagoni, Godfrey Muchenje, Jameson Masaza
Greenfuel:
Tendai Chirara (gk), Honest Moyo, Tashinga Pfende, Reginald Chinemo, Brian Chikwenya, Bruno Mtigo, Mandlenkosi Gasela, Clive Rupiya, Learnmore Muyambo (M Diro 64’) Nelson Mwasanga, Tinotenda Meke
— @FungaiMuderere
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