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From Paul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
Mine Shabanie 2-0 Black Rhinos
BUHERA-born Godknows Murwira put a spirited individual show that saw him grabbing a brace to help Shabanie Mine collect maximum points in a Castle Lager League match against Black Rhinos at Maglas Stadium yesterday.
The Shabanie Mine right back was on target in the 45th and 67th minutes and his contribution to the victory saw the miners move up to second place of the log.
Shabanie Mine leftback Nelson Merson made a solo run on the left towards the visitors’ area and when he charged towards goal, he was brought down by Brian Muzondiwa and Kwekwe-based referee Thabani Bamala awarded the hosts a free kick.
Murwira took the responsibility and curled a beauty that the visitors goalkeeper Jonathan Zvaita never saw. After scoring, Murwira raced to his coach John Phiri with his teammates in pursuit to give him a hug probably for the confidence he has shown in the young players.
As if it was not enough, the hard running defender latched on to another loose ball outside the Chauya Chipembere area with his right boot with goalkeeper Zvaita well beaten.
It was a match that Shabanie, despite winning, did not put up their best show. Former Highlanders player and son to Bosso executive member Douglas Sibanda who was tasked with the defensive role, never put a foot wrong on his debut.
Smart Muchabaiwa was outstanding in defence with Ashley “Mabhurugwa” Mukwena troubling the visitors’ defence each time he was in possession. Allan Tavariswa, Merson and Talbott Mtombeni were blowing hot and cold.
Rhinos’ only chance was in the 65th minute when they were awarded a free kick outside the box but Jameson Mukombwe’s effort hit the crossbar with goalkeeper Victor Twaliki well beaten.
Phiri was an elated man after the match.
“We did not play well as we were struggling as a team. Allan (Tavariswa) Talbott (Mtombeni) and most of my players did not come to the party as I expected but a victory is a victory. It was sweet and I am happy”, he said.
His counterpart Arthur Tutani risks to be slapped with a fine by the PSL as he refused to be interviewed.
Teams
Shabanie Mine: V Twaliki, G Murwira, N Merson, S Muchabaiwa, R Mware, D Sibanda, H Muvundi, L Matawu (E Tsoro 87th ), T Mtombeni, A Mukwena, A Tavarwisa (M Mageja 73rd).
Black Rhinos: J Zvaita, J Mukombwe, M Kurewa, B Homora, S Jimu, O Gada, T Ajana (M Mine 72nd), B Muzondiwa, P Marufu, L Chiwunga, W Chakanyuka (N Padzarondova 72nd).
Online Reporter