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By Onward Gangata in Gweru, TelOne 1-2 Simba Bhora
SIMBA Bhora strengthened their position at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with an impressive 2-1 victory over TelOne here yesterday.
The Shamva based outfit came into the match fully aware that a win would put them seven points ahead of second placed FC Platinum who lost 1-0 to Manica Diamonds on Saturday.
They showed great character and resilience to recover and collect maximum points having fallen behind to a Blessing Sibanda goal after 20 minutes.
Midfielder, Mthokozisi Msebe was the star of the show scoring twice in either half to secure a full set of points for the Tonderai Ndiraya coached side.
Simba Bhora are now firmly perched at the top of he log standings with 53 points and enjoy a healthy seven points cushion over second placed FC Platinum.
After the match, Ndiraya singled out Msebe for his solid performance throughout the match.
“We created a lot of chances in the second half and of course we got that goal from Mthokozisi,” Ndiraya said.
“He has been a key player for us this season, not only in this match but for most parts of the season. I think he is one of the most underrated players in the league.
“He has been classy for us the whole season, he showed that today, scoring a brace, he is a key player for us and has been like that the whole season.”
On his side’s performance Ndiraya said they came prepared for a tough outing.
“We came here expecting a tough game because of the coach at TelOne, we all know Hebert Maruwa is known for producing tough teams and that is what we faced today. What I liked most about my team is the response at everything that was thrown at us, the delaying and all the stuff that was happening, I am happy with the team’s character,” he said.
TelOne coach, Hebert Maruwa was disappointed by the result but remains adamant that his side will not be relegated.
“It was a tough game, we started well scoring first but we failed to hold on and conceded soft goals but I am happy with the performance. We just have to concentrate on the remaining games, it’s still game on,” he said.
The Gweru side remains in 15th position on the log standings with 26 points, two points from safety.
The visitors were the first one to make their intentions known after five minutes when captain Walter Musona tried from distance but his effort sailed over the bar.
TelOne would however, get the opening goal through Sibanda who tapped home from close range after capitalizing on a weak clearance by Isheanesu Mauchi.
Once they fell behind, Simba Bhora upped their ante throwing everything at the WiFi boys with Musona instrumental in their attacks.
Musona was at the heart of a move that led to the Shamva outfit’s equaliser when he teed up Msebe, who beat TelOne goalkeeper Chris Mverechena with a powerful left footed strike.
There was a lengthy stoppage towards the end of the first half when the WiFi boys walked off the pitch in protest over referee Thembinkosi Ncube’s decision to award Simba Bhora a freekick on the edge of the box.
When play finally resumed, Simba Bhora failed to utilise the set piece with Musona sending his effort wide.
TelOne came back from the break the better of the two sides with renewed vigour.
The visitors surged ahead in the 73rd minute when Msebe won possession in the middle of the park and was allowed time to pick his spot to riffle past Mverechena.
Simba Bhora showed a lot of maturity in managing the game and collecting a full set of points on the road.
TEAMS:
TelOne: C Mverechena, A Dzumbunu, A Chapinduka, E Mafirenyika, T Jaravani, X Moyo, L Hofisi (F Muza 83rd minute), K Jaison (H Chikosa 60th minute), N Masilela (B Sahondo 80th minute), B Sibanda (A Nyandoro 83rd minute), W Navaya (L Gwerina 80th minute).
Simba Bhora: T Shumba, W Tafa,I Mauchi, R Kangadzi ( V Kawe 90+), B Moyo, J Makunike (G Saunyama 85th minute),T Chipunza, W Musona (A Manenji 90+), M Msebe, H Masina (I Nyanhi 64th minute), T Machope (T Balakazi 85th)
Online Reporter