Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Chisumbanje
RONALD Chitiyo just can’t stop scoring against Bikita Minerals.
The midfielder produced another moment of magic yesterday, curling home a stunning strike from 25 yards to seal a 2-0 win for GreenFuel in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Eastern Region derby at the GreenFuel Arena.
Chitiyo, who grabbed a brace in the reverse fixture, now has four goals this season, and three of them have come against the Lithium Boys.
The hosts had opened the scoring early through Garikai Dematsika, who nodded in at the near post from a pinpoint Blessing Kagudu corner in the 11th minute, leaving Bikita goalkeeper Tawanda Dendera rooted.
Bikita Minerals never recovered.
Coach Wilson Mutekede blamed the defeat on key player departures during the mid-season transfer window. Top scorer Innocent Masiiwa has joined MWOS, while Blessing Kagudu, now thriving at GreenFuel, turned in a composed display against his former teammates.
“We probably lost this game due to the holes left by four regular players who are no longer available,” Mutekede said. “Masiiwa and Ruzive, our two main strikers, were missing. Spencer Mugariri is suspended, and our usual centre back Chelsea Nyakope was also out. So we had to go with a makeshift team.
“It’s difficult playing with a new combination across defence, midfield, and attack. It’s almost like a mini rebuild during a window that doesn’t allow for proper preseason preparation. That’s the admin challenge, it distracts from our technical work.”
GreenFuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama was relieved to secure his first win since taking over from Taurai Mangwiro.
“We needed this,” said Dhlakama. “It was a cagey game. We had a good first half, and even though we didn’t play as well after the break, the early goals unsettled them. This result gives us the confidence we were lacking.”
GreenFuel Starting XI:
Ashley Reyners, Robert Kwaramba, Emmanuel Chikwende, Blessing Kagudu, Colin Mujuru, Rodwell Chinyengetere (Alvin Antonio 87’), Ronald Chitiyo (Adrian Silla 73’), Kudzai Ngwende (Washington Mapuwa 60’), Garikai Dematsika, Harrison Masina (Godknows Mutina 60’), Perfect Chikwende (Clive Rupiya 87’)
Bikita Minerals Starting XI:
Tawanda Dendera, Tanaka Chari, Felixstowe Moyo, Carlton Munzabwa, Pascal Shumbaimwe (Tawanda Makwarimba 90’), Bennedict Bera, Lee Manyuchi, Farai Kafuramutowa, Russy Tayedza (Marshal Chiwara 79’), Fitzgerald Banda, Tadiwanashe Murasiramwa (Allan Severa 90’)
