Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Herentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
CHAMPIONS Herentals Queens moved closer to a fifth Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League title after a late Praynance Zvawanda strike sealed a tense 1-0 win over Black Rhinos Queens yesterday.
For two sides whose season hinged on the result, caution defined the first 80 minutes.
Both “Vagoni Vebasa” fresh from a CAF Champions League, COSAFA qualifier, and the army side sat deep, cancelling each other out from their raids.
They went to the break without a shot on target.
But it was Mighty Warriors international Zvawanda who stole a late winner for Herentals.
Herentals set up their own low block in order to neutralise the threat from the deadly Rhinos pair of Rutendo Makore and Tanyaradzwa Chihoro.
The plan worked, but it also made them slow to their own transition.
Rhinos looked livelier after the restart. Mupeti broke clear in the 72nd minute, outpacing Polite Mabika and Egness Tumbare, but poor decision-making in the box let Herentals off the hook.
The hosts then took control. Building from the back, Herentals played through the thirds.
From one of their raids, a calculated move found Natasha Benza, who squared for a series of attempts before Zvawanda slotted home in the dying stages.
Building from the back, Herentals bossed the midfield before playing through the thirds.
A calculated move landed at Natasha Benza’s feet before she squared for Herentals to make several futile attempts before Praynance Zvawanda slotted home to put the hosts in front.
Herentals coach Simbarashe Dedza heaped praise on his side.
“We have been working on the grey areas that we felt needed attention from the Champions League and also to ensure that players are in the perfect shape considering we have outstanding matches,” he said.
“We knew that returning from the international stage, there was going to be stiff competition back home and we needed to double our efforts.”
After yesterday’s win, Herentals have strengthened their title charge, opening up a three-point buffer. at the summit, provided they win their two games in hand.
In the first round of fixtures, Herentals lost 3-0 to the army side making it only their third defeat in five years, with two of those losses coming against Rhinos.
Herentals have maintained the core of their squad for some time, bringing in few additions through the seasons.
“This has helped us maintain dominance in the top flight.
“They have been playing well, adjusting and blending perfectly as a team over the seasons which I believe is our biggest strength.”
“However, we should not be complacent because of that or take comfort in our previous records because remember every team will also be preparing to overthrow the champions.
“We need to bring our A-game in all our coming games…the girls have a fighting spirit so, what is basically needed is tactical perfection,” Dedza added.
