KHAMA’S CAMEO ROLE FAILS TO SAVE YADAH

Tobias Mandoreba in HWANGE

Hwange………………..(1)  1 

Yadah………………….(0)  0 

KHAMA Billiat was a late introduction but could not turn the tide as Yadah Stars started their campaign with a loss at the hands of Hwange in this Castle Lager Premiership match at the Colliery yesterday.

Returning son, and former FC Platinum player Gift Mbweti, was the toast of the afternoon with a well-taken goal in the 17th minute which proved to be the winner.

A swift counter attack by the coalminers saw a Yadah defender making a poor clearance with the ball landing onto the path of Mbweti, who showed experience and composure to chip the ball past an outdrawn Yadah goalkeeper Marshall Takarinda. 

Even the introduction of Billiat, 15 minutes from time, could not pull the game out of the fire for Yadah as the coalminers defended for dear life to the end.

Billiat almost grabbed the headlines but his effort crashed against the left upright.

His warm-up on the touchline received cheers from the home fans.

Goalkeeper Takarinda denied Marceline Mlilo three from point blank range with midfielder Solomon Sithole also missing an easy chance.

The visitors had a better second half, especially after the introduction of Vincent Sango for Munashe Chigwerewe on the hour mark, as they camped in the Hwange half but the goal proved elusive. 

“The boys did well and everything went according to plan,” said Hwange assistant coach Obert Moyo.

“It is good to have such a result with some new young players in the mix.”

His counterpart, Tinashe Ruzive, hailed his players for the fight. 

“It was a game of two halves as they did better than us in the opening period but we played well in the last half and, with better precision, we could have got something from the game.

“Billiat brings stability and experience in the team and he will bring in lots of positives going forward.”

Teams

Hwange

Wellington Muuya; Jofias Mumpande; Bhekani Sibanda; Kelly Shiyandindi; Lucas Sibanda; Solomon Sithole; Shepard Gadzikwa; Canaan Nkomo; Mongameli Tshuma (Prosper Mathe 65rd min); Gift Mbweti (Blessing Ngoma 65th min); Marcelline Mlilo (Pritchard Mpelele 85th min).

Yadah

 Marshall Takarinda; Prosper Kafelapanjila; King Nadolo (Khama Billiat 75th min); Ariel Makopa; Marlon Mushonga; Blessed Ndereki (Charles Moffat 75th min); Jerry Chipangura; Takunda Vareta; Junior Zindoga (Clive Mandivei 46th min); Munashe Chigwerewe; Lennox Mucheto