City Rovers back on top

Sports Correspondent
MUTARE City Rovers are back at the summit of the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One soccer league after collecting maximum points, while closest rivals, Dongo Sawmills, known as Buffalo Juniors, dropped points. Gusha Bhora, as Rovers are affectionately known in the soccer circles, thumped Surrey FC 3-0 in an exciting match at Manicaland’s ceremonial home of soccer, Sakubva Stadium last Saturday.
Buffalo Juniors were held 0-0 by lowly placed Black Eagles at Gaza Stadium in Chipinge on Sunday.

The Kennedy “Bokande” Kachara-coached side has now amassed 57 points after playing 25 matches, while Buffalo Juniors are trailing behind with one point after playing the same number of matches.

Mutare City Rovers’ defender, Edmore Musonza, headed home in the first half, while Khumbulani “Jomo” Njovo and Simbarashe “Mabhiza” Mutenha sealed victory in the second half with a goal each.

With the home team exhibiting some flashes of brilliance ably led by skipper, Hibron “Adala Chomi” Makukutu and sensational Clemence Mkudu making lovely exchanges in the midfield, the team would have scored more than a dozen goals, but was hugely let down by its strikers who lost a glut of scoring chances.

Blessing “Jah B” Mwamuka, Tapiwa Mutasa and Tapfumanei “Coblas” Gwereweshe were the chief culprits.
Considering their virtuous performance of late, Buffalo Junior coached by Shadreck “Father” Mugurasave were tipped to win the match against the lowly placed Black Eagles, but the home team defied all odds and produced a top notch performance that saw them holding the visitors.
Gusha Bhora spokesperson, Clayton “Baggio” Masekesa, said they would not lose focus in their quest for promotion.

“The race is still tight, but we will not lose focus. We will maintain our goal to get promoted. We will take every match as it comes and there is no need at all for our players to be complacent,” he said.

Masekesa encouraged players not to panic, but play their usual game.
“As the executive, we are ready to deliver and I want to encourage our players not to be overwhelmed by pressure at this stage.

“Our supporters have been with us through and through and I want them to keep on with the momentum,” he said.
Rovers will be travelling to Chivhu this weekend where they will be fighting to win the balance of football power against Chivhu Stars in a potentially explosive league match.

At Vengere Stadium this weekend, Buffalo Juniors will be seeking football redemption when they clash with an equally impressive Eastern Stars.

This will be another tricky encounter assigned to the Francis Dongo-owned club as Eastern Stars now under the tutelage of Hippo Valley former coach Taku Shariwa, are on fourth position and are also in the race for promotion.

Eastern Stars have 48 points after playing 25 matches.