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Don Makanyanga in NGEZI
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . 2
Mutare City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
MUTARE CITY coach Joseph “Shabba” Takaringofa fired a salvo at log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, accusing the cash-rich miners of relying on referees to win matches.
Speaking after his side fell at the Baobab yesterday, Takaringofa accused referee Pedzisayi Chadya of aiding the home side by ignoring what appeared to be a pull on goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube as Ngezi got a late winner through Xolani Moyo.
A battling Mutare City had done well to cancel out Ngezi’s early lead when David Mangesi scored in the 13th minute, only six minutes after teammate Jeffrey Takunda had scored an own goal.
Takunda turned Walter Mukanga’s free kick into his own net after only seven minutes but Gusha Bhora rallied back and levelled with Mangesi who tapped in a Khumbulani Njovo cross.
Mutare City fought bravely after that equaliser but they were finally broken in the 89th minute when Moyo headed home Ngezi Platinum’s winner off a Terrence Dzvukamanja corner kick.
“I am not disappointed with my team but it’s painful that the match is decided by one man (referee).
“I am also sad that a team like Ngezi has to rely on referees to win matches,” fumed Takaringofa.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Tonderai Ndiraya differed with his counterpart.
“The referee Chadya was good today, credit to him and his team but that is what we do as coaches to point fingers when we lose games. As coaches we should leave officiating to the referees,” said Ndiraya.
“To be honest we were not ourselves today, but what is important is three points at the end of the day,” he added.
Teams
Ngezi Platinum Stars: D. Bernard, K. Bulaji, L. Chakoroma, K. Murera, W. Mukanga, T. Mabvura (T. Dzvukamanja 61), C. Augusto (J. Nguluve 70), X. Moyo, F. Makarati, T. Chipunza, M. Charamba (D. Teguru 75)
Mutare City: T. Dube, P. Gumbo, J. Chitawira, T. Ndlovu, G. Jimu (H. Zvakavapano 60) , J. Takunda, K. Bingala, D. Mangesi, K. Njovo, T. Sadiki (T. Kabanda 74), E. Chikwaikwai
Online Reporter