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From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
LUKE “Vahombe” Masomere yesterday said by winning the BancABC Sup8r Cup he had paid back the fans for standing by him when he was suspended from football activities for his role in the Asiagate scandal. Masomere’s team, Shabanie Mine, on Saturday lifted the cup with prize money of $120 000 when they beat FC Platinum 5-3 on penalties in an exciting derby played at Mandava Stadium.
“I think I have paid back in a very good way. One day the fans are also going to remember me in some way for the good things and I am saying to the fans, players, executive and my sponsors thank you a lot.
“It was not an easy road to the final. We had a number of fans who risked their lives as they travelled to and from Bulawayo, spending their money to support us against Dynamos. This is what they wanted and I am glad that they still love me because if we lose they accept the results,” said the self-proclaimed doctor of football.
It was Masomere’s first trophy in six years.
Masomere said what was pleasing was that his team won the cup ahead of big teams such as Dynamos, Chicken Inn and FC Platinum.
The Zvishavane derby on Saturday lived up to its billing with a spectacular display of football.
Lloyd Mutasa and Masomere showed tactical genius and the rivalry of the two teams was pronounced with Shabanie showing the world that they command a lot of support.
To show how deep the rivalry is, FC Platinum refused Shabanie Mine players entry to the home team dressing rooms but it seems this did not dampen the Shabanie spirit.
“I remember playing Highlanders at Barbourfields and we were at home and we were allowed to use their dressing room,” said Masomere.
Shabanie were the better side in the first half and could have wrapped up the match in the 11th and 21st minutes but somehow Francis Tizayi saved their efforts.
Former Soccer Star of the Year Charles Sibanda had some magic moments but the improved William Ngonya contained him.
Smart Muchabayiwa shone in defence with Tarisai Rukanda and Caleb Masocha hassling the FC Platinum defence each time they were in possession.
Victor Twaliki a goalkeeper spotted from the streets of Mufakose in Harare had his moments as he twice denied FC Platinum on one-on-one situations when the green and white strikers had taken advantage of Blessed Mbavarira’s defensive blunders.
FC Platinum played well in the second half with the introduction of Marshall Mudehwe, Obrey Chirwa and Mitchelle Katsvairo causing some anxious moments.
The extra-time was like a pendulum swinging from one end to the other as Thabani Kamusoko and Mombeshora fought for supremacy in the midfield. Even the introduction of Valentine Ndaba and Fungai Chirinda failed to separate the two teams and it needed a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
Mbavarira, Ndaba, Ngonya, Twaliki and Mombeshora all converted their spotkicks for the Chinda Boys. Daniel Vheremu, Winston Mhango and Kamusoko scored for the platinum miners while Zambian import Chirwa directed his spotkick wide thereby denying his team the win.
The derby attracted a full house and with the teams failing to find the target, talk of juju was rife as two pigeons flew above the platinum technical bench.
Mutasa was also holding an unbranded bottle of water in his hands and each time FC Platinum missed a chance their fans on the southern bay would throw plastics bottles which contained a yellow liquid at the Shabanie goal.
There were instances when some decisions by Norman Matemera (the referee) saw the winners’ supporters throwing missiles.
After the breather the weather changed as it became very windy with clouds forming. The wind carried a lot of dust and even during the penalty shoot out Tafadzwa Mombeshora found it hard to place the ball on the penalty spot as thrice it was moved by the powerful wind.
Online Reporter