Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
KWEKWE United’s debut Premiership season is spiralling rapidly, and Sunday’s defeat at Rufaro Stadium did little to halt the decline.
The Midlands side slumped to their 17th loss in 24 matches, falling 3–1 to a Herentals team that barely broke a sweat.
No other side has suffered more defeats in the league, and with just one win all season, Kwekwe remain rooted to the bottom of the table with only nine points. Their last five fixtures have all ended in defeat.
Herentals, meanwhile, continued their steady ascent, breaking into the top six with 38 points.
They achieved this without their captain, who limped off after just three minutes.
However, veteran Ralph Kawondera stepped in to wear the armband, and the team didn’t miss a beat.
In fact, the early injury brought unexpected reward.
John Zhuwau, who replaced the injured skipper, opened the scoring in the 19th minute, rising highest at the back post to head in a corner from Tinashe Mupumha. Kwekwe goalkeeper Tausand Chapwanya had done well to keep Herentals at bay early on, but his defenders lost track of Zhuwau in the crowd.
Kwekwe found a glimmer of hope in the 32nd minute. Proud Gorekore curled in a superb free kick over the wall, leaving Herentals goalkeeper Tariq Ngwenya with no chance.
But just before half-time, Kwekwe’s defence was caught napping once again. Kundai Sangare slipped in from the blind side and tucked away a deflected cross from Prince Mayembe to restore Herentals’ lead.
Herentals’ owner and striker, 54-year-old Innocent Benza, played the full match. Though not the most mobile figure on the pitch, his occasional flicks and unpredictable movement gave Kwekwe something to think about.
Gorekore had another opportunity to score from a free kick early in the second half, but Ngwenya was equal to it this time, diving to tip the shot away from the top corner.
Kwekwe’s defence cracked again in the 61st minute. Prince Mahembe pounced on a loose ball after more sloppy defending, slotting home Herentals’ third and sealing the result.
The defeat piles further pressure on Kwekwe, who now face an uphill battle to avoid a swift return to Division One. The alarm bells are louder than ever.
Bongani Moyo