adminBruce Chikuni
THE ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League roared into life over the weekend and the hyped heavyweight clash between MWOS and Black Rhinos lived to expectations as fans were treated to a five-goal thriller on Saturday.
Pitting the league’s pre-season favourites, Punters downed the army side 3-2 in an end to end affair.
It was not just a clash of championship contenders, but two coaches who have powered three different teams apiece to top-flight football.
Nisbet ‘Yabo’ Saruchera is in charge of Black Rhinos and his counterpart Lloyd ‘Samaita’ Mutasa is mentoring Punters.
Black Rhinos were the better side in the opening phase of the match as they flexed their muscles in the center of the park where Tafadzwa Jaravani and Malvin Mudzuka combined well to boss the hosts.
MWOS struggled to contain Chauya Chipembere who eventually got the lead in the 23th minute courtesy of Principe Magondo’s fine struck from close range.
The hosts appeared a different beast after conceding the goal and showed more purpose in their approach.
They showed why some are betting on them to win the Northern Region championship marathon.
They applied pressure on the visitors to level matters just three minutes before the break through Tafadzwa George’s fine strike. In their bid to regain the lead, Black Rhinos looked like a side who wanted it more after the break but their efforts counted for naught as they lacked precision.
And, on the back of the sustained pressure, Wisdom Mutasa, unleashed the beast in him to fire his father’s side ahead with a goal of the season contender just five minutes after the restart.
However, their lead only lasted for 10 minutes as the hosts were caught napping by the impressive Mudzuka, who gave his side a lifeline with a brilliant strike inside the box.
The intensity of the match reached new heights in the last 15 minutes of the game as both sides searched for the match winning moment.
The last 10 minutes of this fixture resembled a basketball fixture as both sides looked fearless in throwing everything in their bags for their cause.
Somehow the much needed magical moment proved elusive.
But, late substitute, Kith Chikotora appeared to have understood his mission as he scored at the death to upset the army side. MWOS assistant coach, Joseph ‘Shabba’ Takaringofa hailed the 12th man for their win.
“The boys did well to get us the important points but I want to give credit to the fans who kept us in the game throughout the game,” said Takaringofa.
“It was a good start to the season because it gives us the direction and winning gives confidence to the boys.
“It’s a marathon, we still need to win as many games as possible for us to reach our destiny but on behalf of the coaching department, we are very encouraged with what we saw today.”
Saruchera said this fixture gave credibility to the notion that the Northern Region Division One is probably the best league in the country.
“We can’t cry over spilt milk, the boss tried but we could have done better. It’s never a good thing to lose after scoring twice away from home.
“Northern Region is one of the best in the country and that’s where you get to experience brilliant matches.
“We still have so many games to play. MWOS know they are not champions yet, and I even said it before this match that the outcome of this meeting was never going to decide anything on the title marathon,” said Saruchera.
Northern Region Soccer League Week 1 Results
Cranbourne Bullets 0-0 AGAMA
MWOS 3-2 Rhinos
PAM FC 0-2 Mambas
Ngezi U19 1- 4 Herentals U20
Karoi Utd 1-1 Norton Community
Shamva Mine 0-1 Eagles
HRE City 6 -1 CC Lee Mhangura
Chinhoyi Stars 0-0 Trojan Stars
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