Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
GOLDEN Eagles assistant coach Nigel Gandari believes tactical changes made by his technical team towards the end of the match proved decisive as his side retained the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) Super 8 Cup title on Saturday.
Eagles beat Harare City FC 6-5 on penalties after the two teams had played out a goalless draw in the final at Gwanzura.
The decisive moment came towards the end of the match Eagles introduced second-choice goalkeeper Rodwell Manhungo in place of regular custodian Godknows Gurure.
Manhungo justified the technical team’s decision by saving Migos Svinurai’s spot-kick, diving to his left to deny Harare City and secure the trophy for the defending champions.
Gandari said the decision to introduce Manhungo was a calculated move after his technical team anticipated that the final could be decided from the penalty spot.
“We had studied the situation and realised that there was a strong possibility of the match going to penalties. We therefore decided to bring in Manhungo, who is particularly good at saving penalties. It was a tactical decision that paid off handsomely,” Gandari said.
Manhungo was equally delighted to have played a decisive role in securing the silverware, saying he was confident in his ability to deliver when called upon.
“I am happy to have used one of my strongest attributes to help the team win the cup. I have always regarded myself as a penalty specialist, and I am pleased that I managed to deliver when it mattered most,” he said. It was also a memorable afternoon for Golden Eagles midfielder Tadiwa Chibuwe, who capped an impressive performance by being named Man of the Match.
Phillip Sithole was named Coach of the Tournament.
