Stars edge Mighty Bulls

PATSON NDABAMBI marked his return as Shooting Stars’ coach when he led the struggling side to their first victory of the season after edging champions Motor Action in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gwanzura yesterday.
Striker James Chitereki scored the priceless goal in the 44th minute to give the Wild Boys their first points of the season following a poor run of three successive defeats in their opening matches.
The Wild Boys were left a relieved lot while Motor Action, who finished with 10 men following the expulsion of midfielder Masimba Mambare late in the game, struggled to come to terms with their first defeat in four starts.
Ndabambi, who became the third coach to take charge of the team at this early stage of the season following dismissals of Gishon Ntini and Lazarus Magaya, was naturally elated by the victory.
Interestingly, the diminutive coach had worked as assistant to Motor Action’s Joey Antipas in 2009.
“I am just happy that we managed to collect maximum points in my first assignment. We hope to maintain this good form in our coming matches.
“I have worked with these boys for a long time and it seems we still had that good understanding. The task now is to continue working hard and picking up points before we get into a difficult situation,” said Ndabambi.
The Wild Boys played second fiddle to their opponents for most of the first half and had their first real attempt on the 41st minute when Tawanda Muyendi found himself in a good position but his grounder was saved by goalkeeper Marlon Jani.
Then the Mighty Bulls, who had squandered numerous opportunities earlier on, were caught by surprise when Chitereki beat Jani with a rising effort from the right flank.
Antipas then rung changes in efforts to change the team’s fortunes in the second half bringing in Gift Phiri and Enasio Perezo but with no success as chance after chance went begging.
Midfielder Mambare was sent for an early shower in the 85th minute by referee Pascal Zata when he received a second yellow card for a rough challenge on defender Ernest Chimusoro.
“To put it simple, we played poorly in all departments. I think this is our worst performance this season.
“We had no sense of urgency and we lacked the fighting spirit the whole game. It was just a bad day,” said Antipas.
Teams
Shooting Stars: P. Gumiremhete, M. Karimanzira, G. Karimupfumbi, T. Chioreso, C. Mutero, M. Muneri, E. Chimusoro, E. Matsika, J. Chitereki (G. Nyoni 90th minute), T. Muyendi (A. Mudukuti 73rd minute), S. Chihota.
Motor Action: M. Jani, R. Machaya, T. Ndlovu, O. Mushure, I. Masame, E. Tembo (G. Phiri 61st minute), A. Gahadzikwa, M. Mambare, E. Chitato (E. Perezo 61st minute), K. Musharu (A. Murimba, 72nd minute).