adminGrace Chingoma-Senior Sports Reporter
Cranborne Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
BLACK Rhinos coach Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa was happy the get the bragging rights in the first encounter of the military teams this season when they edged sister club Cranborne Bullets in a Castle Lager Premiership match at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
It was a teacher, student affair both in terms of the coaching departments and the teams, but at the end of the day, the experienced mentor and the senior team prevailed over their younger team. Black Rhinos were on target first just after the half hour mark when Gift Saunyama converted a penalty in the 33rd minute. Rhinos’ winger Nelson Mwasanga did all the work when he dribbled past defenders but was fouled and the referee Brighton Chimene awarded the team a penalty kick.
“I am happy first game and first win. We were worried a bit in the last minutes when Cranborne were putting a lot of pressure, but the guys stood up and didn’t let anything to go in. So l am happy with the victory.
“It was not only a brotherhood match, but I played with Nesbert (Saruchera) and I also coached him. It’s always nice to beat your youngster,” said Mtizwa.
Despite the loss, Cranborne Bullets coach Saruchera was happy with the way his troops played in their first match of the season.
“I think we did well. We should have converted maybe one or two chances. Since it was our first game, we won’t complain. It wasn’t a bad performance; we need to gel. As you saw we brought in some new guys” said Saruchera.
The army teams displayed some purposeful football and Black Rhinos could have increased their tally but in the 57th minute midfielder Svinurai Migos header slightly missed the target after he received a good delivery from Steady Mudzengerere. Cranborne Bullets best chance came in the 66th minute but veteran striker Honey Chimutimunzeve spurned his effort over the bar when it was easier to place into the nets.
Online Reporter