adminIT’S amazing what a change of a coach can do to a football club.
Green Fuel registered their maiden win in the domestic Premiership with a 1-0 victory over Simba Bhora at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The win signalled the arrival of coach Rodwell Dhlakama, who watched the match from the stands, as his assistant, Innocent Chogugudza, led from the line.
Referee Mercy Maimbo was at the centre of controversy when he issued a yellow card to Simba Bhora goalkeeper Rashid Seidu for clearly punching the ball while out of his box.
Green Fuel scored from the resultant free-kick taken by Washington Mapuya in the 16th minute.
Attempts by Simba Bhora to get an equaliser were all foiled with Alexander Mandinyeya’s headed attempt going wide in the 21st minute.
Ronald Chitiyo fired his attempt over the bar, in the 48th minute, from a free-kick.
Blessing Moyo then missed a penalty in the 58th minute.
“We always play to win in any competition and when you get it away from home, after losing, it boosts confidence,” said Chogugudza.
“Everyone wants to be associated with a winning team so it gives encouragement to the institution and all those involved with the team.”
Tonderai Ndiraya felt his charges had a difficult day. “We started slowly, we lost our first-choice goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani, who was injured during the warm-up.
“Our second goalkeeper was nervous and he made a mistake and failed to organise his wall.
“Physically, we were not on point, we had a jaded first half and when our best chance came in the second half we failed to utilise the chance.”
Online Reporter