Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals College . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
AFTER enduring a blip in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign, Herentals College bounced back immediately with a narrow win over relegation-haunted Manica Diamonds at Rufaro yesterday.
Talismanic skipper Ralph Kawondera, scoring his 11th goal of the season, struck what proved the winner when converting a 25th-minute penalty.
Coach Celestino Benza had been desperate for a response after back-to-back defeats to Hardrock and Ngezi Platinum Stars, and his side delivered.
Herentals College, with 39 points are now 10 points behind leaders Scottland, who play Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro this afternoon.
“It feels good to be back to winning ways,” said Benza.
“We needed this win, and I am glad it came.
“The boys really wanted the win, and they showed the hunger.
“We attacked well and defended well. This is a game that really mattered for us.
“I am excited, and that means we can now eclipse our record season points haul of 47.
Now at 39 with 10 more games, we will surely get past that.”
Herentals showed their intentions right from the first whistle, with Kawondera and Milton Chimedza threatening.
While Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Biggie Temera thwarted the attacks in the initial phase, his team conceded a penalty midway through the opening half when Anelka Chivandire’s flying kick caught Blessing Phiri in the head.
Kawondera slotted in from the penalty spot to take his tally to 11 in the season.
Manica Diamonds tried, in vain, to come back into it, and they now have 10 games to fight for their lives.
“It’s disappointing, especially after conceding from such a silly mistake,” said Manica Diamonds coach Herbert Maruwa.
“But we are sure we will survive relegation at the end of the day.”
While Maruwa might be putting on a brave face, the Gem Boys have a tall order before them in a league where the bottom four teams will be relegated.
