Online Reporter
Oscar Rusenga in Triangle
BIKITA Minerals secured a crucial 2–1 victory over CAPS United at Gibbo Stadium, courtesy of goals from Tadiwanashe Murasiramwa and Spencer Mugariri. The win ended their three-match losing streak and lifted them out of the relegation zone.
It was a much-needed result for the Lithium Boys, who had slipped dangerously close to the drop. With this win, they climb to 11th on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table, level on 28 points with CAPS United but trailing on goal difference after 24 matches.
Bikita started with intent. New signing Makhelele Gweva was influential early on, dictating the tempo from midfield. The hosts nearly took the lead in the 25th minute, but CAPS United goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku gathered comfortably after a scramble in the box.
Their breakthrough came in the 34th minute. CAPS defender Chinga Chitoshi, under little pressure, opted to play it safe deep in his own half instead of clearing his lines. That misjudgement handed Bikita a golden opportunity. A long throw-in from Pascal Shumbaimwe landed at Murasiramwa’s feet, and his clean strike left Kwaku with no chance.
However, the hosts couldn’t hold onto their lead for long. Five minutes before the break, a lapse in judgment from captain Courage Bera — losing possession and then committing a foul — gifted CAPS a free kick in a dangerous area. Tanaka Shandirwa delivered, and Nyasha Chintuli glanced a header past Biggie Temera to level the match.
After the interval, Bikita came out with renewed urgency. A flowing team move culminated in Mugariri slotting home from close range. Murasiramwa, having scored the opener, turned provider with a neat layoff. CAPS United never quite recovered.
“Today we didn’t start well, we didn’t do our part. We made a lot of mistakes from the beginning and I am disappointed. It’s so painful losing a game like this. A draw would’ve been enough, but we just need to work harder and push more in training so we get the three points in our next league game,” said CAPS coach Ian Bakala.
Bikita coach Wilson Mutekede was relieved to finally halt their poor run of form.
“We are happy that we managed to get a win. It’s a result that has eluded us for the past three fixtures and we’re glad to bounce back against CAPS United. We have a cushion now, but we need to keep working. One bad result and you’re back in the bottom four, so we’re not relaxing. But yes, we’re happy to come out of the drop zone.”
Team Line-ups
Bikita Minerals: Biggie Temera, Ishmael Muroiwa, Pascal Shumbaimwe, Chelsea Nyakope, Felix Moyo, Lee Manyuchi (Fitzgerald Banda 90), Courage Bera, Spencer Mugariri, Makhelele Gweva (Keith Mathe 90), Tadiwanashe Murasiramwa (Shelton Moyo 77), Nigel Tsimba
Caps United: Stephen Kwaku, Bruce Kangwa, Brian Kadamanja, Chinga Chitoshi, Kelvin Mangiza, Leroy Chipanera (Adam Tende 71), Tanaka Shandirwa, Junior Bunjira, Nyasha Chintuli, Phineas Bamusi, Mugalu Mutshimba.
