malvernmugadzikwa
Herentals ……………….. (0) 1
Bikita Minerals ………. (1) 1
Don Makanyanga
IN-FORM Herentals made it nine matches without a loss in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship when they rallied from behind to force a share of the spoils against Bikita Minerals at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
The draw helped the Students to move from 12th place and into the top eight on the log standings. Yesterday’s match, a rescheduled tie, was the only top-flight fixture, as the rest of the league is on an international break.
Bikita, who had a delayed start to life in the Premiership, had raced into a half-time lead, when veteran striker Evans Katema struck five minutes before the breather.
As they have seemingly mastered of late, Herentals found a way back through substitute Blessing Majarira’s 70th minute goal.
The Students now have three wins and six draws in their last nine games. It was the proverbial match of two halves in which the visitors were the dominant side, dictating the pace, only to be let down by their blunt strike force.
The Lithium miners failed to convert numerous goal-scoring opportunities during their dominant spell in the first half.
In one of their closest chances in the 15th minute, Courage Bera saw his header cannon off the woodwork. After failing to break down the Herentals defence, Bikita resorted to long-range attempts, but a breakthrough seemed elusive.
That was until the dreadlocked Katema, who previously played for Mushowani Stars, Dynamos and Black Rhinos, found the target for the visitors. Bikita launched a counter-attack from a failed Herentals set piece and the long clearance found Katema inside his own half and the seasoned forward raced towards goal, outpacing his markers in the process to slot the ball home.
Herentals coach Paul Benza made a triple substitution at resumption of the game, bringing on Tafadzwa Jim, Clemence Zimondi and Majarira for Innocent Benza, Ali Maliselo and Godfrey Mukambi.
The tactical substitution paid dividends as it brought in some energy into the team, which eventually saw Herentals taking control of the game. Majarira was to tap in a cross from Erick Dombo following some fine exchange of passes.
Although they kept their unbeaten run intact, Herentals coach Benza bemoaned the two points lost more than cherishing the one they gained.
“Today we lost two valuable points. This is a game which we were supposed to win, but unfortunately we failed to get maximum points, but again at the end of the day getting a point is better than not getting anything,” he said.
Bikita Minerals coach Arnold Jani was satisfied with the result. “To us, the point we got is worth it, considering that we travelled all the way from Bikita and we are not returning empty-handed,” he said. “We played well in the first half and it is unfortunate that we could not protect the goal that we got, but overall, I am happy with the performance of the team.”
Online Reporter