Dodo throws in towel

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
GUNNERS coach Darlington Dodo has described their defeat to Karoi United over the weekend as a big blow in their bid to win the Northern Region Division One title.

The 1-2 defeat saw the former Premiership champions dropping into third position and they are now 18 points behind leaders Ngezi Platinum. “It’s a big blow and we have actually given more room now to Ngezi Platinum. They have everything in their favour, which we didn’t want.

“If you are in a competition you don’t give your opponents that much room.

“I was hurt by that defeat because I didn’t expect to lose. We were not in the game. We took the lead in the first half but we conceded two quick goals in three minutes in the second half.

“We went to sleep somehow and I think it sapped the energy out of us,” said Dodo.

Gunners last won against Ngezi Platinum three weeks ago before they drew against Blue Swallows and Cargo Carriers prior to Saturday’s loss.

And Dodo feels that the absence of some of his key players, including strikers Quality Kangazi, Freddy Munyoro and midfielder David Rediyoni due to injuries, is not making life easier for the team.

“These are regular players and it actually disrupts the rhythm of the team.

“The team will never be the same because it’s like we are starting all over again,” said Dodo.

This year’s championship race has become a one-horse race with the other three teams in the top four — ZRP FC, Gunners and Black Rhinos — struggling to keep up with Ngezi Platinum.

Second-placed ZRP FC are 16 points behind Ngezi and the miners need just nine points from the remaining seven games to clinch the title.