Online Reporter
Ray Bande in Mutare
SIMBA Bhora utility player Blessing Moyo’s 31st minute wonder strike, a beauty that can compete for a goal of the season award, ensured the Castle Lager Premiership match against relegation haunted Bikita Minerals ended in a draw at Sakubva Stadium this afternoon.
Much of the play was concentrated in the middle of the park for the greater part of the first half, with both teams struggling to make the last pass into the final third, hence few clear cut scoring opportunities were created.
The visitors, however, broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when Blessing Moyo’s long range screamer bounced on the right goalpost before hitting Bikita Minerals goalkeeper Taona Temera’s back as it found its way into the net.
Simba Bhora had a chance to extend their lead three minutes later but Emmanuel Ziocha’s curler hit the upright with Bikita Minerals goalkeeper Taona Temera already beaten.
The lithium miners then restored parity in the 39th minute when Lee Manyuchi, who had a subdued performance in the early stages of the encounter, tapped the ball home from close range.
Bikita Minerals coach Wilson Mutekede was not impressed with the result.
“It’s sad that we failed to get maximum points playing at home. That would have given us a little breathing space going into the last round of league matches. I thought we played well to deserve the three points but at the end of the day, football is about scoring goals to win, if you do not score you will not win. We failed to score, hence we settled for this draw. We will fight on and expect to get a good result that will see us survive relegation next weekend,” said Mutekede.
His opposite number, Jeol ‘Dubai’ Lupahla said his team could have done better with a little bit more precision in front of goal.
“We played well and we could have easily won this match if we had made the most of the scoring opportunities that came out way. Unfortunately, we did not and here we are, the match ended in a draw.
“Given the result from all the other matches, which ended mostly in draws, we will fight for the second position as it would be a befitting tribute to our supportive fans back home,” said Lupahla.
