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Paul Mundandi Zvishavane Correspondent
Shabanie Mine 3-0 Chiredzi FC
KARIBA-BORN Daniel Chakupe played a game of his life when he inspired 10-man Shabanie to a home victory against Chiredzi FC at Maglas Stadium yesterday. Shabanie moved to fifth place with the victory as they have amassed 14 points from eight matches. Chiredzi are still rooted on 15th position with five points and need to work hard if they are entertaining any hopes of beating the defending champions, Dynamos, on Sunday.
The 28-year-old who was discarded by ZPC Kariba scored a brace in the 31st and 70th minute with defender Godknows Murwira sealing the victory in the second minute of added time.
Former Monomotopa midfielder Zvikomborero Bizeck spotted the on-rushing forward and sent a headed pass to the pencil slim striker. Chakupe took his time before he unleashed a shot that shook the roof of the nets with Chiredzi goalkeeper Simon Kafitare a mere spectator in the 31st minute.
With Chiredzi having an edge over their hosts after Allan Tavariswa was sent for an early shower for a second bookable offence by Bulawayo-based referee Mandlenkosi Sibanda, Chiredzi failed to utilise their numerical advantage.
A defence-splitting pass by Ashley “Mabhurugwa” Mukwena on the left saw Chakupe releasing a shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Kafitare.
Chakupe reacted swiftly to fire home the rebound and with the goal Chiredzi’s world seemed to have collapsed.
Mukwena could have registered his name on the scoresheet in the 83rd minute when he robbed defender Zexie Zezai only to see his effort miss the target.
It was a game which Shabanie could have scored half a dozen goals as the team was fired up by Douglas Sibanda and Hardlife Muvundi who were in total control of the midfield that missed competition as Rowan Nenzou watched the match from the terraces through suspension.
The only chance for Chiredzi came in the 60th minute but former Dynamos, Motor Action, FC Platinum and Shabanie Mine player Norman Maroto failed to score.
Maroto went past Rodney Mware and with only the goalkeeper to beat his shot in the box was saved by the alert second choice Shabanie Mine goalkeeper London Zulu.
Mukwena however was again to turn provider when he sent a pass this time to his right after spotting right back Murwira whose right footer was unstoppable.
“I am happy to have scored a brace and I wish Shabanie will continue playing like this. In my last game I did not put enough effort but with the help of my coach and the criticism from the press helped me to work hard,” said the former Nyamhunga student who is an electrician by profession.
Shabanie who had 19 attempts at goal of which nine were on target saw Moses “Bambo” Chunga blasting his players after the match.
“I am disappointed by the defeat. The boys were always second on the ball and my word to them is if they are not in the mood to play soccer they must stay at home,” said the outspoken coach.
His counterpart, John Phiri, who is still to lose at home was on cloud nine.
“I am happy for Daniel. I wish him well and I hope my team will continue playing good and entertaining football. There is competition in the camp and we could have won by a wider margin,” he said.
derick.khumalo