Chirinda clocks double digits

BULAWAYO Chiefs FC striker Obriel Chirinda has become the first player in the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season to reach double figures on the goalscorers’ charts.

Chirinda, a bustling and skillful forward netted his 10th goal of the season in Amakhosi Amahle colours when they beat former league champions Dynamos 2-1 in a match that was played at Barbourfields Stadium last Saturday.

“It’s always good for your club and I’m happy we are still pressing on. The league season is a marathon and I’m happy that we are still picking up points. I look forward to scoring more goals for my club. Its all about team work and I’m very much grateful to my coaches,” said Chirinda.

He is a former Chicken Inn forward who was heavily pursued by Highlanders in the second transfer window which closed on July 31.

Chirinda now leads the top goal scorers chart, one ahead of equally in form Fortune Binzi who does duty for Jairos Tapera mentored Manica Diamonds.

In July, Chirinda, a Nguboyenja footie star, was named the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe [FUZ] Player of the Month.

On Friday night, FUZ took to their Facebook page to announce Chicken Inn’s attacking midfielder Michael Charamba as their latest player of the month snatching it from Chirinda who took over from FC Platinum’s Walter Musona. Musona won the accolade in June. For his July award, Chirinda beat Highlanders goalkeeper Ariel ‘Mangoye’ Sibanda and Charamba.

In July Chirinda scored five goals including a hattrick against Triangle away at Gibbo Stadium.

Highlanders head coach Baltemar Brito is a big admirer of Chirinda, a Warriors gunslinger who also previously did duty for the now defunct Bantu Rovers.

At Bulawayo Chiefs, Chirinda, enjoys good support from equally skillful and pacy Farau Matare.

Last season, CAPS United’s William Manondo scooped the Golden Boot Award with 17 goals under his belt.

In their next fixture, Amakhosi Amahle are set to square it off against bruised Yadah Stars at Mhondoro’s Baobab Stadium.

Yadah Stars, who are fondly known as the Miracle Boys, are smarting from a 2-0 away defeat at the hands of second placed Bulawayo football giants Highlanders. — @FungaiMuderere