adminMukudzei Chingwere in Gweru
Nichrut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Shabanie Mine . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
BIG central defender David Boriwondo headed home in the last minute to give Nichrut a full set of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League points at Ascot yesterday.
While Boriwondo scored the winner, it was former Shabanie Mine man Carlos Rusere who lit up the match when he replaced Farai Vimisayi in the second half. Rusere, who signed for Nichrut after failing to land a contract South African side Black Leopards, was the orchestrator of the home side’s most dangerous raids.
Nichrut had the better start and Rodreck Mutuma was unlucky not to open the scoring a minute before the breather, his knock down crashing against the post.
The home team’s striker Tatenda Hapazari had his effort disallowed for offside eight minutes into the second half.
Winning coach John Nyikadzino was all smiles after the final whistle.
“This was a derby and it was always going to be difficult to collect maximum points but I am happy we did,” he said.
“We were focused till the end and were rewarded late in the game. Shabanie played well, it could have been anyone’s game but I am happy we are the ones who are taking the three points home.”
Shabanie Mine gaffer Alexio Sigion reckoned it was unfortunate they were not rewarded for their spirited display.
“I cannot complain about the way the team played today and it was just unfortunate that we lost.
“What gives me hope is that we did not play badly but we were just unfortunate, that is part of football but we have to move on.
“The players now understand the way we want them to play and that is very encouraging,” said Sigion.
Teams
Nichrut: T Sande, N Mpinduki, T Hapazari, N Moyo, T Ndlovu, F Vimisayi (C Rusere 63rd min), D Boriwondo, A Maliselo, J Chivasa (S Sithole 73rd min), R Mutuma, F Bushiri
Shabanie Mine: P Moyo, L Manyande, R Sibanda, N Mpofu, D Taderera, P Siziba, M Murimi, P Shoko, F Muza, T Rukanda, N Papias
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter