Online Reporter
Lawrence Moyo
NORTON-BASED newcomers, MWOS reclaimed pole position on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log standings on a weekend when ALL teams from Harare failed to collect maximum points.
MWOS were away to Harare side, Herentals College, in a match played at the Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva where Lloyd Mutasa’s charges won 1-0 courtesy of an own goal to go to 14 points, one more that former leaders Ngezi Platinum who lost at TelOne on Saturday.
Herentals coach Paul Benza said they deserved at least a draw.
“At worst we were supposed to get a draw because we created a lost of chances and we should at least have scored one. What we need to work on more is on converting the chances. Going back to the drawing board, we are supposed to keep on working on converting the chances that we get.”
Dynamos were beaten at home by Chicken Inn, who grabbed a late winner through Brian Muza in the 85th minute, making it successive defeats after a similar defeat away to Manica Diamonds last weekend. Chicken Inn went into the game on a poor run and amid reports that coach, Joey Antipas had been given a three-match ultimatum to turn the fortunes around or walk.
He won the first battle for his own survival, transferring the pressure to his Dynamos counterpart, Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe.
Dynamos assistant coach Mark Mathe felt that Dynamos deserved at least a draw from the game.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, its hard to take looking at the balance of play of the game. Fair play to Chicken Inn, I thought they had a good game plan. They competed well, won the first ball, second ball.
“We went toe to toe with them, but I still maintain that the problem we had had for the past games is still with us and that is not converting. I also strongly feel that the best result for today should have been a draw, its an option. We felt it should have been a foul for Muza’s goal but its now water under the bridge.”
While Dynamos’ scoring rate of just tow goals in six matches suggests a woeful team, Mathe feels most teams in the Premiership have improved defensively.
“Teams have improved tactically, defensively. Teams have improved vastly in terms of defensive tactics and competition is very high this season. We do play games; we do create the chances and that is positive rather than play and not create chances.”
CAPS United conceded a goal in the opening minute against Highlanders at Barbourfields and failed to find parity for the remainder of the match although they had numerous opportunities to even secure a win.
Brighton Ncube scooped the ball to Reason Sibanda, who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and made no mistake.
After the match, CAPS United assistant coach Tonderai Marume felt they were unfortunate not to have scored in the defeat.
“Its unfortunate because if you look at it, our boys gave it their all in the first half and got into correct positions to score but we were unfortunate. We have a clear opportunity, and we hit the cross bar, and we had another one when the striker beat the goalkeeper but his effort was cleared on the line.
“We will go back to training and try to work hard on the players’ mindset so that they stay focused.”
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu felt that they did not play well, and the game could have gone either way as CAPS United had good chances to turn things around.
Harare’s other teams, Yadah and Scottland played to a 1-1 draw at Rufaro on Saturday with Khama Billiat finally finding the back of the net as his first half header gave Mabviravira the lead and he did not do his traditional celebration in respect of his former side.
Billiat spent the 2024 season at Yadah after moving from South Africa.
