Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS Utd 1-3 Simba Bhora
DEFENDING champions Simba Bhora ended their poor Harare run yesterday, crashing struggling giants CAPS United 3-1 in a dominant Castle Lager Premiership performance at Rufaro.
The convincing win lifts Simba Bhora to within two points of log leaders MWOS, while compounding CAPS United’s woes by sending them into the relegation zone at the end of Week 13. Barnabas Mtuche and Donald Mudadi scored in the first-half for Simba Bhora, with Emmanuel Ziocha adding another after the break.
“I’m happy for my boys. We have come here; this is the fourth time that we’ve been here. We lost three games that we came here for. But today, I think the first 45 minutes they played good football. Second half, obviously, complacency sometimes creeps into their heads. They changed the way we played first-half.
“You could see that some of the boys were maybe disrespecting the opponent, which I don’t like. I’m one coach who likes players who just play simple football. But we have young players, sometimes they will get carried away. But apart from everything that happened, I’m happy today that I’ve come here to Rufaro for the fourth time and we’ve won,” said Luphahla.
CAPS United coach Ian Bakala introduced Rodwell Chinyengetere and Tendai Matindife at the break, but the changes failed to spark a comeback. A defensive error by debutant Tapiwa Matondo gifted Junior Makunike possession, who unselfishly set up Ziocha for Simba’s third.
Although Bunjira pulled one back with a well-taken goal, missed chances from Phineas Bamusi and Emmanuel Mbollo earlier in the second half proved costly.
Bakala, still winless since replacing Lloyd Chitembwe three weeks ago, lamented his side’s defensive lapses. The defeat leaves CAPS United fourth from bottom with just 10 points.
“I think we just give away the points. The defence have to work much harder. This time, it’s not a time of circus or playing. They play a good game. Next game, they are down, which is unacceptable.
“As a club, the players who play for CAPS United, they have to fight for the badge. But conceding goals like this, it’s not acceptable,” said Bakala.
Teams
CAPS Utd: Stephen Kwaku Odai, Bruce Kangwa, Wesley Milanzi (J. Bunjira, 71st min), Jimmy Dzingai (B. Kadamanja, 49th min), Tapiwa Matongo, Love Raema Bissila Mabiala (T. Matindife, 46th min), Kundai Benyu, Tanaka Shandirwa, Phineas Bamusi, Nyasha Chintuli (R. Chinyengetere, 46th min), Emmanuel Mbollo
Simba Bhora: William Thole, Webster Tafa, Isheanesu Mauchi, Roland Kangadzi (B. Ndereki 87th min), Barnabas Mtuche, Blessing Moyo, Ishmael Nyanhi, Butholezwe Ncube (C. Mavhurume m, 87th min), Junior Makunike (T. Meke, 79th min), Emmanuel Ziocha (N. Tigere, 79th min) Donald Mudadi (I. Gurirab, 66th min)
