Masvingo stitch up Blue Ribbon

Masvingo United put behind them a week of turmoil in their dressing room and continued with their undefeated home run at Mucheke when they thrashed visiting Blue Ribbon in an entertaining Castle Lager Premiership encounter yesterday.
Yuna Yuna, rocked by industrial action by some senior players over outstanding salaries, put on a good show and posted a convincing win over a rather stubborn Blue Ribbon side.
An inspirational performance by star midfielder Hardlife Mavhundu – one of the five players suspended by the executive last Tuesday in an eventful week for Yuna Yuna – ensured that the hosts dismissed a rather stubborn Blue Ribbon outfit that drew much inspiration from skipper Daniel Kamunenga.
Masvingo drew first blood in the 37th minute courtesy of the skilful Mavhundu who was fouled just outside the box by a Blue Ribbon defender and quickly dusted himself up to convert the resultant free-kick, which nestled into the nets leaving the visitors goalkeeper Lovemore Matamisa stranded.
The goal seemed to have given the hosts impetus after they had survived an avalanche of raids in their area from Blue Ribbon.
But hard-tackling Yuna Yuna defender Patson ‘Okoronkwo’ Sinamai and goalkeeper Francis Tizayi were in good form to ensure Masvingo kept a clean sheet.
After the break Masvingo kept their foot on the accelerator and got a second goal in the 51st minute courtesy of the boot of the rather wasteful speed merchant Johnsen Zimbabe who drilled home a rebound from close range after Blue Ribbon goalkeeper Matamisa had punched back into play a stinger from marauding striker Takunda Mapara.
Blue Ribbon tried to claw their way back into the game with Kamunenga and the stylish midfielder Clive Boroma giving the hosts defence some anxious moments but on each occasion Masvingo would survive courtesy of solid defending.
Mapara ended Blue Ribbon’s hopes of a come back after he scored Masvingo’s third goal in the 67th minute when he let go a blistering volley from about 35 metres that gave the visitors ‘keeper no chance as it sailed into the nets. That goal sent the Mucheke faithful into delirium as they were already sensing a sweet victory to brush aside memories of last week’s nightmarish 3-1 thrashing by Black Mambas.
Masvingo coach Luke Masomere was a happy man after the match and attributed his team’s victory to hard work and determination though he also paid tribute to Blue Ribbon for fighting like men.