Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE unbeaten run is long gone. The title chase is fading fast. But Lloyd Mutasa still believes.
MWOS came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Herentals at Ngoni Stadium in Norton yesterday, a result that stretched their winless run to four games, but didn’t shake their coach’s belief in a top-eight finish.
“Football has always been a pressure game,” said the former Dynamos gaffer, “but as footballers we want to weather this storm and go forward. I want to believe it’s a phase that will pass. You can only bounce back if you are united.”
Skipper, Tinotenda Benza, gave Herentals the lead in the 22nd minute, before Billy Veremu equalised six minutes later with his 11th goal of the season. Veremu’s instinctive finish salvaged a point for a MWOS side, whose early season steam has run cold.
It was a match of missed chances, frustration and familiar tension for a team that went the first 17 games unbeaten but now can’t buy a win.
For a side once tipped to push for the title, the draw felt like two points lost.
Meanwhile, Onward Gangata writes from Gweru that ZPC Kariba crush Kwekwe United 3-0, to end their eight-match win drought in style.
ZPC Kariba finally remembered how to win, and did it with ruthless authority.
After eight frustrating games without a victory, Kauya Katuruturu exploded back to life with a dominant 3-0 away win over Kwekwe United at Bata Stadium yesterday, completing a league double over the PSL newcomers.
The result, which mirrored their 5-0 thrashing of the Gold Boys in the reverse fixture, was a timely reminder of ZPC Kariba’s attacking potential and could be the turning point in what had become a stagnating season.
Charles Munyanyi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, before goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi, yes, the goalkeeper, smashed in a stunning free-kick just before the break to double the lead. Moses Demera sealed the emphatic victory early in the second half.
“We should have scored more goals,” said a relieved ZPC Kariba coach, Newton Chitewe. “We’ve been struggling in front of goal recently, so it’s good to harvest a lot today. We want to do better than last year and finish in the top eight, come end of season.”
ZPC Kariba looked sharper, quicker and more composed from the outset. Their build ups were neat, Kwekwe United had a brief response through Emmanuel Mutimbanyoka, whose snap shot was well saved by Munditi. The big goalkeeper then turned hero at the other end, stepping up to take a freekick, and burying it with venom, giving his opposite number no chance.
ZPC Kariba then put the result beyond doubt. A quick move down the flank ended with Moses Demera tucking home a low cross from close range.
