adminBruce Chikuni
PRESSURE was on Stewart “Shutto” Murisa’s shoulders to stop the high-flying Simba Bhora, for the first time in their backyard, in a ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League match at Wadzanai.
But, as others have witnessed in the past, it’s not an easy task.
Murisa’s battling new-look Banket United side suffered a 1-2 defeat.
Tinashe Balakasi scored his 19th goal of the season to put his side into the lead but the resilient Banket side restored parity before the break, through Wallace Tikiriki.
The entertaining fixture appeared to be heading for a stalemate but Barnabas Mushunje found Webster Tafa to score the winner and take home all three points.
This means Simba Bhora have now won all of their league’s home assignments, so far.
“It was a good game, we played well, at times you have to feel grateful for the result and give credit to the boys for such a performance,” said Simba Bhora coach, Arthur “Tuts” Tutani.
“Yes, with the signings which we made during the mid-season break, I think we are still trying out some good combinations and I believe we are getting where we want to be.
“We still have a lot of work to do in sharpening some departments, I still feel we could have done better but I’m happy with the three points.”
He hailed Murisa for assembling a strong side.
“I think they gave us a good run for our money, they gave us probably one of the most difficult games so far this season,” he said.
“Success for their project is guaranteed if they can afford to carry on with this momentum in their next fixtures.
“I want to give credit to Shutto for the work he has started, it’s very promising, I hope he will get enough support to achieve his aims and objectives with the club.”
Herentals Under-20 edged Leo Kurauzvione’s Golden Valley 1-0 at Rimuka.
Paul Benza’s troops are thriving with their rock solid defence which has seen the Young Students conceding just seven goals in 17 assignments.
Golden Eagles handed the Ngezi Under-19 side a 3-0 thumping at Ellis Robins.
Gilbert “Gidza” Mushangazhike has been making decent strides in ensuring that the Eagles remain in the championship battle.
The next battle will see the Eagles hosting Simba Bhora.
Simba Bhora are enjoying the front row seat with 39 points, ahead of Golden Eagles with 38 points, and Herentals Under-20, who have accumulated 37 points, are third.
Meanwhile, the match between Trojan Stars and Harare City Cubs was not played after the Harare City developmental side failed to turn up.
The Cubs are believed to be on the verge of collapsing with reports suggesting the club have not been paying the youngsters their dues in the past four months.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter