adminTobias Mandoreba in HWANGE
Hwange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
FC Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
THE explosive battle between coal and platinum miners could not produce a winner as hosts Hwange and visiting FC Platinum shared the spoils in a lively Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played before a huge crowd at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.
FC Platinum will however make the trip back to their Zvishavane base kicking themselves for coming out with just a single point as they created a glut of chances especially in the opening stanza but found big goalkeeper Wellington Muuya a stumbling block each time they made a raid at Hwange goal.
Muuya, now starting for the coalminers for the third game in a row ahead of first choice Nedrick Madeya, showed his determination to keep the first choice jersey when he produced the save of the afternoon in the 10th minute with a one hand acrobatic save to tip a stinging Brian Banda scorching 30 metre freekick over the bar for a corner kick.
Muuya then saved defender Lukas Sibanda the blushes in the 26th minute after the former Bulawayo City FC star miscued his clearance and in the process presenting a perfect opportunity for striker Perfect Chikwende to stab home but the goalminder smothered his effort from a one-on-one situation.
Chipangano had one opportunity in a subdued first half performance through a well taken volley by Solomon Sithole on the half hour mark which whistled past the right upright by a few inches with the animated home fans already celebrating.
The second half was a lively see-saw affair with both teams huffing and puffing to get the elusive goal with FC Platinum coming close again 10 minutes from the end but Muuya again frustrated them as he made another brilliant save to deny Hagiazo Magaya from close range much to the admiration of the home faithful.
At the end of the day a draw was a fair result for both teams after a contest which had all the ingredients of a football thriller in front of one of the largest crowds ever witnessed at the Colliery in recent years.
Hwange referee Mhaka Magare had a firm grip on the match.
Norman Mapeza was content with a point on the road.
“We are happy with the result as it is always difficult to come to Hwange and get a result. We are not under any pressure and from the play it showed that the boys are confident with their game,” said Mapeza.
Hwange goalkeepers’ coach Edmore Sibanda also praised his charges for the gallant show.
“We are happy with the result as we are a team coming from Division One and playing big clubs like FC Platinum. It gives us the zeal to do better ahead of the next game against Chicken Inn,” he said.
Sibanda stepped in for Dube whose voice was hoarse from barking instructions on the touchline.
TEAMS:
Hwange: Muuya, J Mumpande, B Mlotshwa, B Rendo, L Sibanda, T Goredema, B Ngoma, S Gadzikwa, S Sithole (C Nkomo 46th minute), J Chivasa (K Shiyandindi 66th minute) M Mlilo ( C Sibanda 66th minute)
FC Platinum: W Magalane, R Pavari, N Chinyerere, M Ngwenya, L Mhlanga, H Magaya, B Banda ( O Bhebhe 87th minute), P Mutimbanyoka, D Teguru, G Mbweti, P Chikwende (K Mangiza 90th minute)
Online Reporter