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Noel Munzabwa
MICHAEL Mageja rose from the bench to inspire Hardbody to their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory when they beat visiting Hwange in an exciting and evenly balanced match played at Ascot Stadium yesterday.
The former Shabanie Mine striker, popular with Gweru fans, changed the complexion of the match after replacing Joseph Matambo and marked his arrival with the opener in the 63rd minute before Alick Marime added the second seven minutes later.
The result ended Hwange’s 10-year run of good results in the city. Hardbody had previously lost 3-0 to Dynamos, 1-0 to Black Mambas and 5-3 to Highlanders.
“I knew I was never going to lose to my former team because I know their tactics. This makes me happy and I believe we are almost there now and the boys are now believing in themselves.
“We have been improving with each and every match and at the moment we cannot talk of relegation as it is not an issue. I benched Michael as a tactical measure because I knew he was going to destroy them once introduced in the second half,” said Hardbody coach Tavaka Gumbo.
Hwange forward Francisco Zvikumbawire threatened Hardbody each time he gained possession both inside and outside the box.
Inside the first 20 minutes the former Zimbabwe Leopards striker had made three attempts at goal in the seventh minute when he outran Hillary Gravel but wasted his effort. Five minutes later he once again tested goalkeeper Alexander Useni forcing a full stretch dive to the left for safety.
In the 17th minute it was the right upright post that was to stop him dead with the busmen’s backline and goalkeeper at his mercy and this allowed Hardbody to creep back in the 23rd minute with Richard Jongwe forcing a timely and life saving clearance off Gerald Ndlovu.
Reading the pressure from the terraces, Gumbo brought in Mageja and this became the game’s turning point and almost immediately set up an attack but it was up to no avail.
In the 54th minute his header probed Sibanda who needed a second attempt to firmly ensure safety but in the 63rd minute he just could not stop Mageja’s effort.
On the 70th minute, the busmen won a corner kick which was flighted from the right and much to the chagrin of the visitors the entire defence and Sibanda missed, allowing Marime to tap home for the second and ultimately the winner.
Hwange coach Tennant Chilumba conceded lack of experience upfront.
“We played well in the opening half but we lacked experience to convert the numerous chances that came our way. When we thought a seasoned player like Gilbert Zulu was going to change the game for us it was never to be. We need to work on that. Credit goes to Hardbody who knew what was at stake for them and I cannot begrudge them for the win. They are a potentially good side,” said Chilumba.
Teams
Hardbody: Alexander Useni, Hillary Gravel, Cornillius Simango, Brian Juru, Andrew Chuma, Joseph Matambo (Michael Mageja 46th minute), Alick Marime, Irvine Mugwamba, Richard Jongwe (Nhlanhla Ncube 73rd minute) and Clifford Nyoni (Roy Useni 77th minute).
Hwange: Timothy Sibanda, Eric Chipeta, Munyaradzi Mungadze, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Francisco Zvikumbawire, Farai Vimisai (Gilbert Zulu 65th minute), Winstone Mhango, Tongai Mamina (Allan Tavarwisa 40th minute), Malvern Longwe, Gerald Ndlovu and Aaron Katebe.
Match Officials: Thomas Masaa, Thomas Kusosa, Allen Parehwa and Lloyd Mapanje.
Online Reporter