Chronicle Editor
Patrick Chitumba at Bata Stadium in Gweru
Sheasham 0-0 Ngezi Platinum
NGEZI Platinum Stars failed to punish an insipid Sheasham, as they were held to a goalless draw in a Castle lager Premiership match played at Bata Stadium in Gweru yesterday.
The Mhondoro-based outfit dropped to second position on the log standings after Bulawayo giants, Highlanders, edged Triangle 1-0 to sit on pole position.
Takesure Chiragwi, the Ngezi Platinum Stars coach said he was happy to have picked a point away from home but bemoaned the state of the pitch, which he said affected his side’s style of play.
The visitors had a goal disallowed.
“I am happy we collected a point away from home. On a good day we could have won this match but the referee said it was not a goal so we take that point,” he said.
“In the first-half, we struggled to play the way we wanted to. We struggled to adapt to the pitch,” Chiragwi said.
It was the home side’s ninth draw of the season. Needing a win to move away from the relegation zone, the Construction Boys failed to utilise the home advantage and instead played for the draw.
Sheasham coach John Nyikadzino said he was happy with the draw considering he was playing against the log leaders.
“At times I would say I am disappointed with the draw, but my goalkeeper saved the day for us. Overall, I am happy with the point we got against the log leaders,” Nyikadzino said.
Sheasham paraded three new signings, striker Kudakwashe Musharu, defender Collen Kwaramba and left winger Dinoleen Masukuta.
However, Nyikadzino singled out Musharu for his outstanding performance.
“I am happy with how the new guys played, without Kuda it could have been something else. He helped us to maintain shape upfront,” said Nyikadzino.
The first-half was a drab affair with few chances on offer but Ngezi Platinum Stars turned on the heat in the second-half, creating numerous chances. Ngezi Platinum Stars threw everything at their opponents beginning with a raid just two minutes into the second-half when Delic Murimba was set up inside the box by a clever chip from Valentine Kadonzvo but had his weak shot with the goalkeeper sprawling on the ground cleared by Roy Useni.
Marvellous Mukumba was to miss another glorious chance after weaving past the Sheasham defence but he shot wide.
Tapiwa Mandinyenya thought he had broken the duck just two minutes to full-time but his effort was ruled out for an offside.
Sheasham F C
E Sibanda, S Mhare (L Jani 62nd minute) , C Kwaramba, S Chimanikire, P Madhanzi, K Musharu, N Mpinduki, D Mangesi, D Masukuta (Marira 80th minute), R Useni, T Jubane
Subs
L Chirava, F Sibanda, Z Chikwenhere, T Tsimba, L Jani, T Macheka, T Marira, N Masa
Ngezi Platinum Stars
Nelson Chadya, K Chigwida, P Moyo, D Murimba, T Murasiranwa, M Mukumba, T Mandinyenya, N Makumbe, L Kashitigu, M Màkuwe, V Kadonzvo
Subs
B Temera, T Benhura, M Gaki, M Mushonga, Q Amini, M Kwinjo, E Mweha, G Madhake, B Mtigo
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