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Monomotapa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)1
Chicken Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
PREMIERSHIP leading goal scorer and Chicken Inn forward Tendai Ndoro struck his 15th goal of the season yesterday to force a draw in a Castle Lager Premiership match against Monomotapa at Gwanzura Stadium yesterday.
The Mpumalanga Black Aces bound striker seems on the right path to winning the Golden Boot award this season and has set his target at 18 goals before leaving for the South African Premiership where he was signed by the league’s new boys.
Ndoro struck in the 71st minute and it was a classical goal as he turned and shot to earn new coach Joey Antipas a point in his first assignment.
It was an afternoon of spectacular goals as Monoz midfielder Ronald Chitiyo had struck another beauty in the 28th minute, when in an individual show of brilliance, he swept past virtually the entire defence with some fine dribbling skills and hit the back of the nets.
But the former champions are sinking into oblivion by each passing game but this is one player who will surely not be part of Division One football next year as his talent deserve a better platform.
Monomotapa remained firmly on third position from bottom and assistant coach Conrad Nyambabvu said they will keep on fighting until the last game.
“Our game plan was to attack from the onset and try to wrap the game in first half. We did get a goal but failed to defend yet another win. Today we stood a great chance to win but we were let down by our central markers. We also give credit to young Chicken Inn goalkeeper Liberty Chirava who managed some saves and saved a one on one from Ronald Chitiyo who could have given us maximum points.
“We will fight to the last. Basically the chances are getting slimmer and slimmer. Looking at the teams in the same situation with us like Black Rhinos they are picking up points while we are just getting draws. We need to pick up points especially against the teams fighting relegation,” said Nyambabvu.
Former Motor Action coach Antipas, who was in charge of his first game with the Gamecocks since replacing Mandla Mpofu last week, said he was still settling down.
The Bulawayo side now have a strong Mighty Bulls flair with former players such as Clemence Matawu and Charles Mutero now reunited with their mentor.
“I would have loved to start with a win but l am still trying to find my feet and a point away from home is not bad. Monoz put up a brilliant show in the first half. We struggled a bit, transition from defence was a bit slow and we improved in the second half. Our midfielders were a bit slow. Bulawayo is a nice place, I am still trying to find my feet but soon I will and life goes on,” said Antipas.
The hosts began brightly and in the first period could have scored two goals as Monoz’s Ishmael Wadi failed to direct his effort into the nets after the half hour mark.
Monoz striker Allan Tavarwisa who came in the second half also missed a chance in a one on one situation. But Chicken Inn who had regrouped managed to level terms and, with a bit of luck, Ndoro could have found the back of the net twice.
Teams
Monomotapa: F. Chifamba, G. Murwira, L. Mhlanga, C. Rukwanhi, C. Mesi, M. Mungombe, R. Chitiyo, L. Sithole, H. Mugoniwa, N. Melson, I. Wadi.
Chicken Inn: L. Chirava, N. Nyoni, C. Mutero, M. Jackson, F. Chindungwe, B. Juru, T. Goredema, C. Matawu, C. Nkomo, K. Mahachi, T. Ndoro
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter