Chronicle Editor
Tobias Mandoreba ,Hwange Correspondent
Hwange 1-0 Green Fuel
THE Colliery Stadium erupted into jubilation as Chipangano finally conjured up a formula to win a football game after the coalminers fought with sheer determination and zeal to overcome visiting Greenfuel after a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match yesterday afternoon.
After the final whistle, home fans were on cloud nine as they danced in delight, the players emotionally hugged each other while coach Rodwell Dhlakama was all smiles but composed and cool even after masterminding a crucial win for the beleaguered coalminers over his former paymasters.
The result was a winning debut for the coach.
Going into the match, Chipangano had won only one match against Yadah on opening day, with an appalling run of five draws and eight losses following that victory to leave everyone associated with Hwange FC worried and wondering what had hit the coalminers.
In yesterday’s game, a cooly-taken penalty by captain Kelly Shiyandindi made a huge difference five minutes from the break as he calmed his nerves to slot home past Greenfuel goalkeeper Tapiwa Chilenge.
The spot-kick came after Green Fuel defender Munyaradzi Diro appeared to have handled the ball which had deceived him with an awkward bounce, leaving impressive Bulawayo referee Owen Manenda with no option but to point to the spot, with Diro deservedly getting a yellow card for his troubles.
Some home fans muttered some silent prayers while others chose to watch the opposite direction as Shiyandindi took the responsibility and delivered eloquently like a leader of a crew in desperation.
Before the spot-kick, the coalminers had got good scoring opportunities through big striker Pritchard Mpelele and pint-sized attacking midfielder Prosper Mathe.
To their credit, the visitors also threatened Hwange on numerous occasions but if they did find goalkeeper Bhekimpilo Ncube alert on duty in between the posts with some spectacular saves, they fluffed their lines in front of goal at times.
Greenfuel’s threat also increased in the last stanza, especially with the introduction of huge midfielder Anelka Chivandire for Clive Rupiya early in the last episode but Hwange defended as if their lives depended on it.
After the final whistle which came as a huge relief for Chipangano fans, coach Dhlakama was cool as a cucumber in his finest hour as Hwange coach.
“I am happy with the determination and fighting spirit shown by the boys. It gives encouragement going forward but we still have to continue with the spirit so that ascendancy up the log comes our way. It is gratifying to see the fans happy like this, we have to strive to give them happiness week in, week out,” said Dhlakama.
Saul Chaminuka accepted defeat and lamented the wasted chances.
“We lost, it’s a game of football. We got chances but couldn’t use them and in this game, you get punished for that,” said Chaminuka.
Teams
Hwange: Bhekimpilo Ncube; Jofias Mumpande; Ralyton Maphosa; Kelly Shiyandindi; Lucas Sibanda; Sebastian Moyo; Arnold Dube (BlessingNgoma 68th min); Shepard Gadzikwa (Solomon Sithole 60th min); Pritchard Mpelele; Canaan Nkomo (Gift Mbweti 83rd min); Prosper Mathe
Greenfuel: Tapiwa Chilenge; Honest Moyo; Tashinga Pfende; Reginald Chinemo (Chris Ngwende 80th min) ; Munyaradzi Diro; Bruno Mtigo; Mandlenkosi Gasela (Collins Dhuwa 75th min); James Nguluve; Learnmore Muyambo; Antonio Alvine (Washington Mapuwa 46th min); Clive Rupiya ( Anelka Chivandire 46th min
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