Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WILLIAM Katsande has challenged his players to bounce back quickly after suffering his first defeat since he took charge of Grand Legacy in the Eastern Region Division One Soccer League.
Grand Legacy’s 1-0 loss to Mutare City Rovers on MatchDay 13 ended the club’s unbeaten run under the former Warriors captain.
It left them fifth on the table with 22 points, five behind leaders Yadah, and three adrift of second-placed Tenax.
The defeat was Grand Legacy’s third of the season but the first since Katsande assumed the reins.
Despite the setback, Katsande insisted his side were architects of their own downfall after failing to convert the numerous chances they created.
“If you look at the game as a whole, they only had one corner kick and that was the critical moment,” said Katsande.
“We should have defended better. It was a lapse in concentration and they punished us.
“From there we tried our level best and created a lot of chances, but we couldn’t convert them.”
Mutare City Rovers capitalised on Grand Legacy’s wastefulness to secure only their second win of the campaign and move onto 13 points.
Katsande said his team dominated large spells of the contest, particularly after the break.
“In the second half we pushed them back and created the better chances. We were getting into the right areas and doing everything correctly, but unfortunately it wasn’t our day in terms of conversion,” he said.
“Maybe this result will make us a bit humble. The league is a marathon. If you don’t take your chances, the opposition will take theirs.”
Grand Legacy remain well-positioned in the chasing pack, level on 22 points with fourth-placed Africa Mineral Ventures and Green Fuel, although both rivals have games in hand.
The significance of Wednesday’s Matchday 14 fixture has therefore increased, with Katsande’s men travelling to face Africa Mineral Ventures in a direct battle between two promotion hopefuls.
Mathew Masinge