adminRay Bande in Mutare
Buffaloes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2
Black Mambas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
LANKY Warriors trialist and man of the match Proper “Zhake” Matizanadzo’s brace was all that Buffaloes needed to send Black Mambas tumbling out of the second edition of the Mbada Diamonds Cup in an otherwise lukewarm match played at Sakubva Stadium yesterday.
The Mutare army outfit will now square up against celebrated cup kings, CAPS United, in the quarter-finals of the country’s richest soccer tournament after the Green Machine dismissed last year’s finalists Motor Action by a solitary goal at Trojan in Bindura on Saturday.
The visitors drew first blood just four minutes into the match when impressive Last Chibwiro beat Buffaloes goalminder Hope Bere from close range after a neat exchange of passes involving him and Nicolas Alfandika.
However, the hosts restored parity in the 68th minute when Matizanadzo got to the end of a tantalising cross from an imposing Roy “Apama” Mwenga.
Dreadlocked and youthful Mwenga, who was on top of his game against Gunners at Larfage in a rescheduled midweek league fixture last Tuesday, was outstanding in the middle of the park as he once again caused all sorts of problems for the opponents’ defence.
Matizanadzo then sent about 2 000 fans who watched the match into delirium when he put the Mutare army outfit ahead two minutes from time after he tapped home from close range.
Buffaloes coach Saul Chaminuka praised his players for playing to instructions.
“It is unfortunate that we conceded a silly goal early in the match but I am happy my players managed to come back and win the match. They played according to instructions and it worked well for us.
“I am looking forward to the next round of matches in this cup and I hope we will get it right against CAPS United,” said Chaminuka.
His opposite number John Ncube said his team paid dearly for missing numerous scoring chances that came their way.
“I think we failed to convert numerous chances that came our way during the course of the match. We played well and we could have easily won this match had we managed to display a little bit more precision in front of goal.
“We also lacked in terms of marking man to man. I think we gave a lot of space especially in the second half and that was our downfall. Anyway that is what happens in a game of football,” he said.
Mbada Diamonds Mine manager Tendai Kadyamusuma said the historic soccer tournament augurs well with the vision of the diamond mining concern.
“We as Mbada Diamonds continue living up to our pledge to harness diamonds for the people. I think everyone discovered that this time the tournament is bigger and better than it was in its inaugural edition last year.
“Our vision is to uplift the communities in Zimbabwe through sport and we will continue doing our best to achieve that. I am particularly happy that this match went on well and the better team of the day won,” Kadyamusuma said.
Teams
Buffaloes: H Bere, D Chinowawa, K Thembani, M Waerera, T Ndlovu, S Muchabaya, P Matizanadzo, R Mwenga, M Mageja, P Bhamisi, P Thembani (N Musvipa 76th minute).
Black Mambas: C Benjamin, S Mutenheri, C Kasimero, N Alfandika, T Chiunungo, P Khumazo, B Nyahunzvi, L Chibwiro, P Muswere, P Mateyanga, I Nyoni.
Online Reporter