Sundaymail EditorDon Makanyanga and Dennis Kagonye
New Ngezi Platinum Stars gaffer Rodwell Dhalakama was more relaxed after the final whistle than he was when he walked into the stadium in his first match as coach of the Mhondoro based side.
Two goals from either half by Tichaona Mabvura and Bruno Mtigo ensured his team booked a place in the quarter finals of the Chibuku Super Cup.
Though it was not a convincing display, Dhlakama could afford to smile.
“During your first game, you are usually a bit anxious, but the win relieved me,” said Dhlakama.
“It was not a convincing display but there is nothing like a bad win. I am happy with the win.”
The win was not without Dhlakama’s tinkering.
The former Young Warriors coach gave the armband to Mabvura, who in turn thanked him with a goal.
“I have worked with the majority of the guys before, thereby making it easy for me to make some tactical changes. I am happy that it paid off,” said Dhlakama.
Mushowani Stars were the dominant side and played purposeful football.
But the final third was a big let-down for the Bindura based side.
“The guys played well and l think we were not clinical upfront, that was our major let down,” said Newman Mushipe, the Mushowani Stars coach.
They could have gone upfront but defender Chelsea Nyakope failed to connect a Sylon Chikwengwere cross in the 13th minute.
From a resultant miss, Ngezi Platinum Stars launched a counter attack. An alert Nelson Chadya found Donald Teguru on the right flank.
The pint sized star raced down the line before making a cross, which was comfortably controlled by new captain Mabvura, before slotting it in from close range to put the home team upfront.
Neither side created any meaningful chances in the second half until Mtigo increased the lead of Madamburo from a long range effort nine minutes from time.
Elsehwere, ZPC also sailed into the quarter finals as they thrashed past a stubborn Hwange outfit courtesy of a 2-1 win.
It appears as if playing at Nyamhunga brings out the best out of Godfrey Tamirepi, who came from behind to ease past Hwange.
It was a game of two halves, as the visitors controlled most of the first half, which they punctuated with a goal in the 23rd minute as Admire Banda tapped in from close range after Takabva Mawaya failed to clear his lines.
For the equalizer, veteran striker Tawanda Nyamandwe headed home a Nigel Makumbe corner-kick.
Substitute Tinotende Chiunye then scored the winner in 89th minute.
Online Reporter