Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS UNITED coach Takesure Chiragwi would have loved to pick another morale- boosting win ahead of next weekend’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Harare derby against Dynamos, but Makepekepe faltered at Rufaro yesterday.
The log leaders suffered only their second defeat of the season at the hands of a stubborn Bulawayo Chiefs.
Panashe Shoko scored a 72nd-minute penalty that sealed a crucial victory for The Ninjas and left the Green half of the capital stunned.
Chiefs won the penalty after CAPS United defender Kudzai Chigwida fouled the marauding Brian Muza.
Shoko took the responsibility and sent Wallace Magalane the wrong way.
With Hardrock running amok, walloping FC Hunters at Chahwanda 6-1, Makepekepe’s lead at the top was cut to just one point. CAPS United remained on 22 points and despite the defeat, Chiragwi put on a brave face during the post-match interview.
“We congratulate Chiefs, they got their chance and they utilised that one chance they got,” he told the media.
CAPS United created a number of chances in the first half, while Bulawayo Chiefs looked more dangerous in the second stanza.
“We had so many chances in the first half, but we couldn’t find the back of the net,” said Chiragwi.
“But by the end of the day, I think what is important is to congratulate the guys for a very good performance.
“Since the start of the first half, they did very well, until the time that we conceded a penalty, which is part of the game.
“And we cannot crucify anyone, it’s part of the game. So, at the end of the day, we just need to accept the defeat and move forward.”
Although they will now go into the famous derby on the back of a loss, Chiragwi insists his charges are geared.
“It has always been the case, creating so many chances,” he said. “It also shows that there is also a lot of good work that we are doing for them to get into those spaces.
“It’s not far, it’s very soon. But there are so many positives that we also need to take from the players.
“The effort, the spirit, the fighting spirit, keeping position, doing everything, marking.”
Bulawayo Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino revelled in the win, but had time to give CAPS United some credit.
“They are a solid team,” he said. “Today’s victory was a result of proper planning by both the technical team and the administration.
“The players also gave their all.”
Hardrock run amok
Hardrock did not just beat FC Hunters at Chahwanda yesterday; they tore them apart.
What had looked like a competitive contest for 45 minutes exploded into a brutal second-half demolition job as Kelvin Kaindu’s men ran riot to grab half a dozen goals as the clash turned from being balanced to an embarrassingly on-sided affair.
New midfield enforcer Junior Makunike marked his first start in style with a brace, Tinashe Mashaireni announced himself with two quick-fire goals off the bench, while Washington Navaya and Donald Mudadi added the goals, as Hardrock sent a frightening warning ahead of next week’s Midlands derby against ailing TelOne.
But the scoreline only told half the story.
For much of the first half, Hunters were not passengers.
They pressed hard, moved the ball well and looked sharper in midfield, with Junior Meya causing repeated problems down the flanks, while Elie Ilunga and King Nadolo kept asking questions.
Twice, Hardrock goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga had to be alert as Hunters threatened to upset the hosts early.
Yet football can be cruel.
While Hunters played, Hardrock scored.
For Hunters coach Nesbert Saruchera, it was more than just a defeat.
It was suspicious.
“It wasn’t easy for us. This is my first time to concede six goals in the Premier League. Something fishy is happening in our camp; they should be investigated,” he said.
“We created chances, gifted soft goals and failed to score in the first half. It is something beyond.”
Kaindu, meanwhile, was a satisfied man after watching his side rediscover their ruthlessness.
“It’s a good response because from the last two games we could not pick maximum points.
“Today we came out strong, scoring six goals and with a bit of composure we could have scored more,” said Kaindu.
“Makunike coming in and scoring two goals shows competition in the team. Donald came in and scored a beautiful goal. It shows everyone is ready.
“Our next game is a difficult derby, but if we replicate what we have done today, it will be better for us.”
For Hardrock, this was not just victory. This was a statement. For Hunters, serious questions now follow.
AGAMA in another platinum draw
Exactly seven days after they held Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-2 at Baobab, AGAMA found themselves in another draw against another platinum-mining side.
Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe’s AGAMA welcomed FC Platinum’s Joel Luphahla back at Wadzanai in Shamva, where the young coach took charge of Simba Bhora last season.
But a 0-0 draw ensured that there would be no miserable return for Luphahla.
It was AGAMA’s third successive draw after they had also fought a deadlocked match against Simba Bhora.
For coach Takaendesa Jongwe, it was a point gained for AGAMA.
“This was a relief for us, collecting a point from former champions is something that any small team would want and I am happy we did it,” he said.
“I congratulate my boys, they did well, but what was most outstanding is that this was our first clean sheet of the season. It shows that we are headed somewhere.”
But Luphahla was not amused after watching his men create countless chances and still failing to convert.
“When you play away from home and pick a point, it is not bad, especially for us after a 3-0 clobbering by Simba Bhora here,” he said.
“I am happy that we kept a clean sheet, but very disappointed that we created at least three one-versus-one chances with the goalkeeper, but failed to bury any.
“I feel that their (FC Platinum players) confidence is now low and we have to work on that so that we start collecting points.”
