Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals …… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
FC Hunters… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
HERENTALS became the latest side to compound Castle Lager Premier Soccer League debutants FC Hunters’ woes when they ensured the newboys’ winless start to the top-flight continued at Rufaro yesterday.
Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera’s Hunters are still looking for their maiden win in the elite league.
And yesterday, they were back at Rufaro, scene of their 2-1 defeat by CAPS United the previous week.
Then, as yesterday, the margin of defeat was identical and this time it was another Harare outfit, Herentals, who were inflicting the pain.
Elasto Chigora struck in each half, both goals assisted by Tinashe Mazambane, to cancel out Michael Tapera’s equaliser and hand Herentals three points.
Chigora got his opener in the 20th minute before sealing his brace in the 73rd.
Sandwiched between Chigora’s goals was a Hunters equaliser off Michael Tapera’s strike
Praise Tonha, who provided the assist in Hunters’ game against CAPS United, unleashed a powerful free-kick from the left side and Marshal Takarinda parried it away, only for ex-Manica Diamonds man Tapera to latch onto the rebound after 34 minutes.
Yesterday’s defeat now means Hunters have gone for eight games without a win and still searching for that Premiership triumph that has proved elusive with each passing week, despite on some occasions, Saruchera’s men being the better team.
So disappointed was Saruchera that he did not turn up for the post-match media press conference.
Spurred on by their leveller, Hunters took the game to Herentals, forcing three successive corners which were expertly delivered by veteran Ronald Pfumbidzai, but sadly found no finishers.
Hunters appeared more composed, dominating possession while keeping Students goalkeeper Takarinda on his toes.
Tapera, on loan from Scottland, could have doubled the lead for the visitors at the stroke of half-time.
But that was as far as the debutants’ enthusiasm could take them before Herentals sealed victory late on in the second period.
As he had done with the opening goal, Tinashe Mazambane was the architect of Chigora’s winner.
Herentals had some nice build-up play from the back and Mazambane’s combination with Chigora caught Hunters defenders at seas before the latter fired home the winner.
The Students almost made it 3-1 in time added on through second half substitute Milton Chimedza, but somehow he missed an empty goal after doing enough to beat goalkeeper Kelvin Shangiwa.
Herentals then finished the game with 10 men when substitute Tawanda Chisi was shown red after getting a second yellow.
“It was a difficult game, we conceded first, but did not panic and fortunately we managed to be victorious at the end,” said Herentals coach Paul Benza.
“When you look at the game that we played even against Manica, we conceded first and then we came back from behind to win, and having it happen again against Hunters should not take away the fact that we are not supposed to be conceding like that.”
“We need to work on that and ensure that we do not keep on conceding in every game.”
Herentals are now three points behind log leaders CAPS United and Benza paid tribute to his rookies for the good show.
“We do not have any pressure with any numbers at the moment because there are a lot of games yet to be played,” he said.
“I am impressed with our youngsters whom we promoted from Division Two.
“Chigora came from the Division Two side and he gave us a brace today, it was impressive and we will keep on giving those youngsters the chance to play.’’
