Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere at Luveve Stadium
BULAWAYO Chiefs coach John Nyikadzino praised his players for producing a polished performance and expressed pride at marking the club’s return to Luveve Stadium with a memorable victory.
Amakhosi Amahle were at their commanding best as they defeated Agama 2-0 in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter yesterday.
Nyikadzino said the result meant a lot to the team and supporters, especially as it came at a venue the club proudly calls home.
“We are happy to be back at Luveve Stadium and to reward our supporters with a good performance. The boys followed the game plan and showed great commitment. We are proud of what they produced today,” said Nyikadzino.
Agama coach Godfrey Tamirepi was not available for post-match interviews.
Chiefs wasted little time in asserting themselves. They took the lead in the eighth minute through Clive Rupiya, who capped a well-worked move that started from the back. The striker kept his composure before drilling a low shot beyond Agama goalkeeper Wilson Brown.
The hosts looked sharp from the opening whistle. Barely a minute into the match, Anesu Saiti burst into the penalty area and unleashed a powerful effort that drifted narrowly wide.
Chiefs continued to dominate possession and pinned Agama deep inside their own half. Melikhaya Ncube was influential in midfield, linking up effectively with Busi Mathe and Brian Muza as the hosts searched for another goal.
Agama had their moments and attempted to respond through quick counter-attacks. In the 38th minute, Richard Kumi tested Chiefs’ resolve with a fierce effort, but goalkeeper Tinotenda Chinovhiringa reacted swiftly to keep the visitors at bay.
Despite controlling much of the first-half exchanges, Chiefs remained disciplined and cautious against an Agama side that showed determination in midfield.
After the break, the hosts shifted into another gear.
Man of the Match Arthur Musiyiwa doubled Chiefs’ advantage in the 55th minute when he found himself well-positioned to power home an emphatic finish that sent the Luveve faithful into celebration.
From then on, it was all about Chiefs. Brown was kept busy as wave after wave of attacks came his way. He crouched, dived and punched away efforts to prevent the scoreline from becoming more embarrassing for the visitors.
Musiyiwa led by example, marshaling the side superbly and providing leadership throughout the contest. Together with Mathe and Ncube, Chiefs controlled the midfield battle, their slick passing and movement proving too much for Agama to handle.
At the back, Chiefs were equally impressive. Their defence was well organised and denied Agama space in dangerous areas, with the visitors struggling to make meaningful incursions into the final third.
The hosts could easily have added more goals after the restart as they moved the ball with confidence and purpose. Agama simply could not match Chiefs’ intensity and rhythm.
In the end, Luveve Stadium witnessed a splendid homecoming. With three points safely in the bag and a performance to savour, Amakhosi Amahle marched on with renewed belief.
Teams
Bulawayo Chiefs: Tinotenda Chinovhiringa, Busi Mathe, Melikhaya Ncube, Brian Muza, Arthur Musiyiwa, Brian Rusinga, Kelly Tokala Shiyandindi, Panashe Ryan Shoko, Malvern Hativagoni, Anesu Saiti, Clive Rupiya.
Agama: Wilson Brown, Siphephelo Philiso, Lindsay Marunga, Daka Terrence, Alec Chiume, Langton Chavinda, Cain
Mashonganyika, Yusuph Khamis, Richard Kumi, Emmanuel Chambara, Tinashe Balakasi.
