Tadious Manyepo Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United 0-1 Scottland
SCOTTLAND made sure the fierce fight for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title raged on when reducing the gap between themselves and leaders Hardrock to five points after their win against CAPS United at Rufaro yesterday.
The deficit can be cut further down to just two if the holders win their other outstanding fixture against Chicken Inn. Although Hardrock have destiny in their hands going into the last two games with at least two points at the top, Scottland’s ability to deliver under pressure as they did yesterday can define the season.
Yesterday’s match was much more than just a Premiership match, given the build-up was marred by a lot of controversy.
Counter-accusations before the game only added to the animosity between the two teams, and it was no surprise when tempers flared after the final whistle.
The sight of Albert Manenji and his captain Walter Musona provoking CAPS fans was disturbing.
But the manner in which the game unfolded, under Kenyan referees, was without any hint of suspicion, with both teams showing some hunger to win right from the first whistle.
A brilliant strike from Emmanuel Jalai seven minutes into the game settled the fixture. The result means the race for the championship can go down to the wire and probably get to be decided on the final day of the season.
Scottland were particularly under pressure to deliver to keep within touching distance of Hardrock, especially with interim coach Peter Ndlovu taking charge of his first game in the Premiership following the sacking of Norman Mapeza last week.
CAPS United were looking to get the victory and break into the top four as they were only a point behind fourth-placed Dynamos going into yesterday’s match. The result went the other way though, but there was no denying their determined fight.
Coach Takesure Chiragwi said: “At the end of the day, I think they displayed very good football. We can’t say anything, but we just need to congratulate the boys for the good performance.
“They played very well from the first whistle, except for that mistake that we made in terms of tactics.
“But at the end of the day, we also need to appreciate, yes, that is part of it, but we also need to look at things that we did very well as a team, and also the effort the players are putting in. Then we have to congratulate Scottland for that 1-0 win.
“Lastly, I think I was disappointed, especially after the final whistle, about the discipline, in terms of the players that were involved, but the opposition fans, and also the players, they didn’t do well. Especially for me, as professionals, instead of them celebrating, they start provoking the opponents, which is wrong.
“At the end of the day, we want football to bring us together, to enjoy the game. After the final whistle, we shake hands together. That’s how it is in football. Families come together. You don’t need to fight at the end. There are injuries and people who are innocent get hurt.
“But it also starts with us. I think we need to work on that as coaches and also as players. We have that responsibility of being professional.
“But at the end of the day, the game was so good, very electric, both teams, 90 minutes, they did very well, and at the end of the day, they managed to win. That is very good for them, and we need to move forward.”
Chiragwi’s opposite number Ndlovu was happy to hit the ground running.
“I am happy to have won at the first time of asking,” said Ndlovu.
“What I am happy about today is, perhaps not the performance itself, but the way these boys were together today, in everything. Most of the game we came under pressure because they attacked us, but we managed to sustain that and make sure that we keep our discipline. Of course, here and there we were open, but we will work on that. First game, we have seen our shortfalls and we are going to correct that.”
He also condemned the ugly scenes that came at the top of the game.
