Chronicle EditorSikhumbuzo Moyo in BULAWAYO
How Mine…………………….……..(1) 2
Shabanie Mine………………….…..(1) 1
HOW Mine skipper Gilbert Banda was absent without official leave from training this week but his troops managed to bag their first set of maximum points at the expense of a battling Shabanie in a Castle Lager Premiership tie at Luveve yesterday.
Banda has not been seen at the gold miners since their 2-2 draw against Chapungu last Saturday and coach Philani Beefy Ncube is not amused, with indications that he might show his skipper the door.
“I don’t even know where he is, I doubt if he will ever play for this team again,” said Ncube.
Away from that, the home side found themselves trailing to the visitors.
The 19th minute goal came off the boot of Ashley Mukwenya who beat Ephraim Mazarura. Ten minutes later Shabanie Mine could have gone two up after Hardlife Mavundi’s tame 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 half-time.
Veteran midfielder Mernard Mupera scored one of the best goals Luveve will see this year when he let loose a scorcher from about 30 metres out that beat Victor Twaliki, in goals for Shabanie Mine.
Even the best goalkeeper in the world would have struggled to stop that shot.
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, had already given the goal and was never going to change his decision as was expected.
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.
“It was always going to be difficult for us to start the league on 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.
A dejected Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri blamed poor officiating for his side’s defeat.
Teams
How Mine: E Mazarura, B Sande, B Dube, N Mukumbi, G Magariro, E Muzanenhamo, F Chirinda, M Mupera, K Musharu (X Moyo 88nd min), W Sithole (B Marere 66th min), T Masuku (T January 33rdminute)
Shabanie Mine: V Twaliki, G Murwira, N Merson, R Mware, S Muchabayiwa, D Sibanda, S Domingo (C Mesi 66th min), H Mavundi (M Makonese 82nd min), A Mukwenya, A Tavarwisa, X Ncube (E Tsoro 82nd min)
Online Reporter