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Lloyd Mwale in MHONDORO-NGEZI
Chegutu Pirates………………………………………….. (0) 2
CAPS United………………………………………………0
CHEGUTU Pirates reserved their best for the last but it was still not enough to keep them in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Zaire, one of the best supported clubs in the top-flight league, stunned five-time champions CAPS United at Baobab yesterday to continue their impressive late charge.
However, one of their biggest wins of the season was not enough to save them as they crashed out of the top-flight league after just one season.
They will probably point to their homelessness as the reason they were relegated as they could have more points had they played their home matches at Pfupajena.
Pirates have 32 points and even if they win their final game they can only reach 35 points and Hwange and Bikita Minerals, who are also in relegation danger, already have 35 points. Hwange did themselves a big favour by beating Highlanders 4-3 at home.
In the Chegutu Pirates and Caps United game, it was a tale of missed chances from both teams as their strikers failed to convert the many chances which came their way.
In the second half, it was also the same case of missed chances galore until in the 59th minute when the hosts broke the deadlock.
Lanky Chegutu Pirates attacking midfielder, Tinotenda Ditima, broke the deadlock with a fine solo run to score after being fed by veteran Raphael Manuvire.
Two minutes later Tinotenda Mavhudzi doubled Zaire’s lead with a clinical goal after a Ditima strike had kissed the crossbar.
Mavhudzi outpaced his marker before finding Ditima whose first time strike hit the crossbar.
Mavhudzi slotted the rebound home.
Chegutu Pirates coach Maxwell Takaendesa said:
“As a coach, I am happy for my charges, they played very well, our conversion rate has improved. I am happy for that and for the club.”
CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe conceded that his charges did not play well.
“Today we did not play well, side, we did not play with intensity that we wanted but it was an opportunity to give other players an opportunity to play as the season comes to an end.”
Online Reporter