Tsholotsho revives survival hopes

Mehluli Sibanda
Tsholotsho………………………(0)1
Border Strikers …………………..0
A fabulous goal in the second half by right-back McClive Phiri reignited Tsholotsho’s hope, extending their stay in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League by a narrow win over bottom of the log Border Strikers at Luveve Stadium yesterday. Pushed into an attacking role in the second half, Phiri punished the visitors from a rebound in the 74th minute from near the centre circle to beat Talent Sande in goals for Border Strikers.
Yesterday’s triumph, their second in a row and fifth for the season, saw Tsholotsho temporarily move out of the bottom two as they now have 19 points, two more than Mutare City Rovers who can however push Iziqholo Ze Zhwane back to 15th spot if they conquer Triangle United this afternoon.
Lizwe Sweswe, the Tsholotsho coach, was delighted with the maximum points and believes that they can survive relegation by securing more points in their outstanding seven matches.
He conceded that it was not easy facing a team that is also fighting against relegation.
“In the remaining matches, we have to play, we need to pick up points.
“Our survival is somewhat there, what is important now is to collect three points,’’ said Sweswe.
A distraught Border Strikers coach, Never Malunga, said they tried their best to avoid defeat but conceded a harmless looking ball.
He did not want to say much about his team’s chances.
“It was tight, we tried to avoid defeat but it was unfortunate we had to concede a harmless looking ball but in football whoever takes a shot at goal if it is converted, it automatically means they have won the match.
“The match can only be decided with the difference of goals, and we fail to contain them in the midfield.
“We gave them much time and space to look for some options upfront,’’ said Malunga.
The first half was a dull affair with none of the two teams showing any serious intent to find the goals.