adminStadium yesterday.
The match got off to a slow start with Zimbabwe Saints’ Fortune Nyambosi probing the Chicken Inn defence that had veterans Sikhumbuzo Banda and Herbert Dick.
The match was a drab one, lacking the thrills of a derby with the fans staying away probably due to the grey skies and the eventual showers that hit the City of Kings yesterday.
“I think the boys played well considering the condition of the pitch.
“We, however, remain positive that we will survive relegation,” said Saints gaffer Ephraim Chawanda.
Chicken Inn coach Philani ‘Beefy’ Ncube said Chikwata had the potential to win their relegation battle.
“They played well today and if they put their house in order and prepare for all their games like they did for us, I am quite sure they will survive the chop,” said Ncube.
There was really nothing to write home about on the pitch in a game typical of a boozers’ match where the blundering referee Mlindeli Ndebele hogged the limelight.
Ndebele ended the first half two minutes before time and maybe, given the poor match, he was ready for a break.
As the two teams started to march off the pitch, Ndebele blew his whistle again and summoned them back to their positions. He restarted the match and, after playing the last two minutes and adding three other minutes, he ended the first half.
Teams:
Zimbabwe Saints
M Diya, L Tshuma, F Nyambosi (N Murisa 55th minute), A Mbaiwa, M Phakathi, C Tsodzo, N Dube, J Kapenya, K Sibanda, D Ndlovu, T Ngwenya (E Rusike 55th minute)
Chicken Inn
N Nyoni, S Banda, H Dick, F Chindungwe, M Kadzola, X Moyo, T Chimenya, T Ndlovu (D Zokoto 65th minute), E Chikwaikwai, D Phiri (T Ndoro 86th minute), B Mbiriri.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter