Sundaymail Editor
Sports Reporter
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HARARE City coach Taurai Mangwiro snubbed the mandatory post-match conference after his side were held by lowly Bulawayo City at the National Sports Stadium yesterday, amid revelations of tensions within the Sunshine Boys’ technical department.
Yesterday’s result was Harare City’s sixth draw in 10 matches.
Harare City assistant coach Tafadzwa Mashiri, who stepped in, indicated there were some disagreements in the team’s technical department. “You can see the coach is not here, it’s because of in-house issues, but if you insist on the coach coming for the interview, then I can as well leave,” said Mashiri.
Mangwiro had every reason to be a disappointed man after watching his Harare City fail to convert numerous chances.
They dominated proceedings from the first whistle.
Donald Mudadi managed to control the midfield and was unlucky not cap his man-of-the-match performance with a goal.
Mudadi and his namesake Donald Dzvinyai kept Reward Muza in goals for Bulawayo City on his toes for the better part of afternoon.
The side’s first opportunity arrived as early as the fifth minute when Wilfred Muvirimi saw his effort being cleared off the line by the Bulawayo City defence after he had come to the end of Spencer Masunda’s corner-kick.
Despite being forced onto the back foot, Bulawayo City came close to getting a breakthrough when Crispen Machisi broke loose on the left flank in a counter-attack before releasing Nqobile Ndlovu, who failed to control, only to watch his effort going off target.
Mudadi came close to giving Harare City the lead in the 20th minute when he surged down the right flank, beating his marker, but his effort was saved by Muza.
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Five minutes later, he had another of his attempts at goal blocked by Lukas Sibanda.
Soon after resumption, it was Dzvinyai’s turn to see his powerful drive from about 30 metres saved.
It remained a balanced affair, with neither side creating clear chances until Mudadi drew another fine save from in the 65th minute.
With 10 minutes remaining, Bulawayo City had Muza to thank again, as this time he denied Zvikomborero Bizeki from close range.
Bulawayo City coach Farai Tawachera was full of praise for his goalkeeper for helping them gain a point on the road.
“To be honest, that boy (Muza) is doing wonders. At times when you think that the opponents have scored, he is there to save you, and as the last man in the line of defence, I think he has done well for the team,” he said.
Mashiri blamed the draw on wasted chances.
“We controlled the game but we are failing to convert and it is becoming worrisome.”
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