Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere and Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporters
AMBITIOUS Zifa Southern Region Division One club, Talen Vision, had a bright start to their 2023 league campaign when they beat Ratanang 2-0 in a season’s opener that was played at Luveve Stadium’s B Arena yesterday.
Tricky and creative Jabulani Moyo found the opener for Talen Vision in the 35th minute courtesy of an easy tap-in after Ratanang impressive goalkeeper Delron Chuma had punched the ball onto his path.
Hard-running and towering Remington Munkuli killed the match as a contest deep in the second stanza with a brilliant header that he connected from Kevin Mhute’s inviting cross from the left flank to secure the three points for last season’s second runners-up.
“It was a tough game. We dominated our opponents in the first 15 minutes in which we could have scored so many goals. Our opponents had a number of chances but we proved determined to win the match. I’m happy about the win, we will take it step by step ahead of our match against Arenal,” said Talen Vision Slovakian gaffer Miroslav Nemec.
His opposite number Daniel Ndlovu conceded defeat saying their aim was to give up and coming football stars a chance to showcase what they are made of.
“It’s so far so good for us. We didn’t get enough time to prepare this team. We had about four weeks to get a full squad. The performance from the boys was not so disappointing. We can do better with time. Remember, we are not aiming to get promoted. All that we need is to give these players a platform to showcase their talent. At Ratanang, it’s all about development,” reckoned Ndlovu at ease.
At White City Stadium’s B Arena, Adachi FC got their campaign off to the flawless start after beating Ajax Hotspurs 2-1. Two second-half goals from Percy Maphosa and Bothwell Nyathi were enough to hand Adachi three points. They had to come from behind to get the three points after Hillary Moyo had sent Ajax into the lead in the first-half.
Adachi coach Philani “Beefy “ Ncube was happy with the win but took a jibe at what he called “suspect coaches” who are difficult to plan against.
“We changed character in the second-half. In as much as we were passing the ball we were not aggressive. We did not seem to be hungry. We spoke at half-time and we changed the attitude and increased the intensity. We need to keep on working hard. All Division One coaches are suspects. You cannot plan against them because you don’t know how they
plan or their philosophy. They just play. It’s not easy playing against suspect coaches,” said Ncube.
There were also wins for Boss90 who dispatched newcomers DRC of Hwange 1-0, Mosi Rovers were victorious over Mountain Climbers while last season’s runners-up ZPC Hwange played out a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe Saints.
Results
Yesterday: Ajax Hotspurs 1-2 Adachi, Ratanang 0-2 FC Talen Vision, Bosso90 1-0 DRC, CIWU 1-1 Casmyn, Mosi Rovers 2-0 Mountain, Zimbabwe Saints 0-0 ZPC Hwange, Mainline 3-0 Makhandeni Pirates
Online Reporter