adminRay Bande in MUTARE
Buffaloes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Dongo Sawmill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
EXPERIENCE prevailed over determination when the Saul Chaminuka led Buffaloes to a slender victory over the Castle Lager Premiership basement outfit in a lacklustre Manicaland derby at Sakubva yesterday. Not even the three penalties that were appropriately awarded to both teams could add a flicker to this dull encounter which was actually more of a training session than a competitive league encounter featuring two of the league’s relegation candidates. Referee of the Year Brighton Chimene’s impressive handling of the match was something to write home about and he awarded a penalty to the home team in the 67th minute when Dongo defender Derick Chitsanzara clearly handled in the box.
Up stepped Buffaloes attacking midfielder Farai Banda whose effort was easily dealt with by ‘keeper Forward Pfumojena.
Twelve minutes after the breather, Chimene had been forced to point to the spot when Buffaloes’ defender Jefrey Takunda handled in the box in a desperate attempt to clear the ball.
Physwell Madhazi’s weak effort was also parried to safety by Buffaloes youthful goalkeeper Chengetai Tandadzai.
However, it was late in the 88th minute when impressive Chimene once again awarded the home team a penalty after another clear handball in the box that Buffaloes striker Clive Kawinga converted.
Buffaloes coach Saul Chaminuka was naturally an elated man after Chimene blew the final whistle.
“I think it is normal of a derby that players are even afraid of making mistakes. You see them being too cautious, but I am happy that we have managed to get the points that we wanted.
“It even complicates issues when you play against a team that is comprised of people that know and understand you very well.
“Now that we have managed to get this win we are looking forward to big things to come,” said Chaminuka.
Dongo coach Shadreck Mugurasave sneaked out of the stadium just after the final whistle and it was only his assistant Dananai Chinowawa who was left to entertain the media.
Online Reporter