adminIt was yet another dull performance on home soil in which Saul Chaminuka’s men paid dearly for their complacency and not even a colourful dinner ceremony hosted for the players by the team’s executive a day before the match could motivate the Mutare side to an inspiring performance on the field of play.
Watungwa Watungwa, as Buffaloes are affectionately known in the eastern border city, have been impressive on the road — winning an incredible five matches away from home — but the opposite remains true for their performance while playing at Sakubva.
Buffaloes, who were of late proving to be the real surprise packages of the 2012 Castle Lager season, were a pale shadow of the team that had become a constant feature of the top four of the Premiership log standings.
Interestingly, this was the first defeat for Buffaloes after goalkeeper Hopeful Bere took over the first choice jersey from former Monomotapa and Eastern Lions goalie Tapiwa Mafunga.
The visitors got the only goal of the match after Buffaloes right back Joseph Jambo clearly handled in the box and Harare referee Norman Matemera duly pointed to the spot. Up stepped Hardbody captain Brian Juru who made no mistake as he sent Buffaloes goalkeeper Bere the wrong way.
Teams:
Buffaloes: H Bere; D Chinowawa; J Jambo; T Ndlovu; M Waerera; S Muchabaya; J Takunda; B Chirere (P Bhamusi 68th minute); N Musvipa (P Mudau 62nd minute); V Makaha(L Katongomara 55th minute); P Matizanzdzo:
Hardbody: A Useni; J Mangiza; I Mugwamba; R Useni; A Chuma; S Alimenda; B Juru; M. Nyakabangwe; D Mufudze; R Jongwe; N Ncube:
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu