adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
How Mine 2-1 Shabanie Mine
HOW Mine yesterday beat struggling Shabanie mine 2-1 in a match played at Luveve Stadium.
The gold miners were without skipper Gilbert Banda who has reportedly not been seen since team’s 2-2 draw against Chapungu last Saturday.
Coach Philani Beefy Ncube is not at all amused and there are indications he might fire Banda.
“I don’t even know where he is, I doubt if he will ever play for this team again,” said Ncube.
The home side who had Douglas Sibanda playing well as a holding midfielder yesterday, however found themselves trailing the visitors.
The 19th minute goal came off the boot of Ashley Mukwenya who did justice to a Xolani Ncube through pass, in the process beating an advancing Ephraim Mazarura.
Ten minutes later Shabanie Mine could have gone two up after Hardlife Mavundi’s shot went through the legs of Mazarura only for Brighton Dube to clear the ball from the line. In the 33rd minute coach Ncube made what he called a tactical substitution, taking out Thembani Masuku for wing master Timothy January and the decision paid dividends on the stroke of halftime.
Veteran midfielder Mernard Mupera scored what probably would rate among the best goals at Luveve Stadium when he let loose a scorcher from about 30 metres that beat Victor Twaliki in goals for Shabanie Mine.
The second half had little action save for George Magariro’s 72nd minute goal that was however vehemently disputed by the Shabanie Mine players as they felt the former Dynamos defender was in an offside position.
The referee, Bonamali Bwanali, who had a good day in office, allowed the goal.
Moments later Kuda Musharu broke an ill-timed offside trap, raced towards goal and managed to beat the goalkeeper but could not beat the upright post. He was already running towards the corner flag to celebrate the goal that never was.
“It was always going to be difficult for us to start the league on a high note coming from the Caf Confederation Cup but we are happy we have started to pick up points. Shabanie Mine are a very good side though,” said Ncube.
He nevertheless blamed the bumpy Luveve Stadium pitch which he claimed somehow favoured their opponents despite the fact that How Mine use Luveve Stadium as their home ground.
A dejected Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri, blamed his side’s defeat to poor officiating by the referee although he also admitted that his boys played below expectations.
“We need to pull our socks up,” he said.
Teams:
How Mine: E Mazarura, B Sande, B Dube, N Mukumbi, G Magariro, E Muzanenhamo, F Chirinda, M Mupera, K Musharu (X Moyo 88nd minute), W Sithole (B Marere 66th minute), T Masuku (T January 33rdminute)
Shabanie Mine: V Twaliki, G Murwira, N Merson, R Mware, S Muchabayiwa, D Sibanda, S Domingo (C Mesi 66th minute), H Mavundi (M Makonese 82nd minute), A Mukwenya, A Tavarwisa, X Ncube (E Tsoro 82nd minute)
Online Reporter