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Ray Bande in Mutare
Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
Bikita Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
MANICA Diamonds eased to the summit of the Castle Lager Premiership table after winning their seventh match on the trot, this time a 1-0 win over Bikita Minerals at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
Impressive Micheal Tapera’s 66th minute strike, his fifth goal in as many matches, was all the diamond miners needed to dismiss their opponents in this pulsating encounter that had all the ingredients of a derby. In fact, the consistent Manica Diamonds left winger has been the main man behind Manica Diamonds’ resurgence, with his second half introduction, together with Charles Teguru on the right, proving too hot to handle for most of their opponents. The fast-paced encounter started with both teams showing exuberance by creating scoring opportunities.
First off the blocks were the lithium miners in the second minute when exciting Chris Makambira was floored just outside the box.
Right back, Blessing Kagudu made a mess of the resultant free kick as he directed his effort into the left side netting.
The hosts also had a clear cut scoring chance two minutes later when a flat footed yet rightly positioned Panashe Mutasa got to the end of neat exchange of passes but blasted the ball way over the cross bar from close range.
The Gem Boys, as Manica Diamonds are fondly referred to by their growing legion of fans, almost surged ahead five minutes after the breather when Micheal Tapera latched on to a loose ball off a rebound and his blistering shot hit the crossbar while an already beaten Bikita Minerals goalkeeper Victor Machopa remained motionless.
Tapera was back to torment the visiting side two minutes later when he ghosted from the right to connect Charles Teguru’s cross, but his header missed the target by inches.
However, Manica Diamonds finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Fortune Binzi tapped the ball to an unmarked Tapera’s in the box and the later made no mistake as he blasted the ball home to give the hosts the lead.
Manica Diamonds coach Tapera acknowledged that the pressure is mounting with each match they continue collecting maximum points.
“We have been on a winning streak, and that makes each match more challenging given that every opponent that we now face ups the tempo.
“Nonetheless, that is the nature of the game. It comes with pressure with each outing and we just have to compete. I believe so far so good, we have been competing well and we hope to continue collecting maximum points as we go,” said Tapera. The Manica Diamonds gaffer praised his men for a decent performance.
“I am happy with the way we have been defending in all these matches we have won. We have kept a clean sheet and that is commendable.
“On the transition to attack, we have also been impressive and that explains the rhythm in our play. It is flowing very well and we will work towards maintaining that,” he said.
Bikita Minerals coach Saul Chaminuka was an angry man after the final whistle.
The veteran gaffer, who is widely believed to be on his way to Green Fuel this week to take over the role of head coach where he will be assisted by Taurai Mangwiro, was not happy with the match officiating.
“There is no way we can develop as a nation in this game with this kind of match officiating. Surely, my players being kicked, even in off the ball situations, but the referee waves play on. It is unfortunate that we coaches when we complain about referees, we are crucified, so I will not comment about this match,” fumed Chaminuka.
Manica Diamonds:
Godfrey Chitsumba; Lawrence Masibera; Farai Banda; Tawanda Chisi; Thubelihle Jabulani; Jefrey Takunda; Garikai Dematsika; Enoch Karembo; Panashe Mutasa (Micheal Tapera, 46th minute); Gerald Bero (Charles Teguru, 46th minute); Fortune Binzi
Bikita Minerals:
Francis Tizai (Victor Machopa, 46th minute); Prince Mlanzi; Blessing Kagudu; Munzabwa Carlton; Nhongo Dennis; Barnabas Mtuche; Allen Gahadzikwa (Praise Tonha, 46th minute); Benedict Bera Kudakwashe Sibanda, ; Evans Katema (Russel Madamombe, 65th minute); Chris Makamba; Enock Moyo (Tawanda Mlenga, 65th minute)
Online Reporter