malvernmugadzikwa
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NAMIBIAN striker Sadney Urikhob scored his third goal of the season as Dynamos came from behind to salvage a point against Simba Bhora in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
Urikhob’s 80th minute strike, which cancelled Webster Tafa’s first-half goal, gave Lloyd Chigowe a decent start to his fresh spell in charge of DeMbare.
The draw saw Simba Bhora surrendering the top spot to FC Platinum, who thumped Arenel Movers 3-1 at Mandava Stadium. Pure Platinum Play are now on 45 points, one more than Simba Bhora. FC Platinum came from behind to win through goals from Mbongeni Ndlovu, who equalised just before halftime, Juan Mutudza and Jarrison Selemani. Chigowe, the Dynamos interim coach, taunted Simba Bhora in his post-match interview.
“Simba Bhora were on top of the table, but Dynamos are a top team,” he said. “We need to continuously demonstrate that we are a top team.”
The lanky gaffer, who is usually the go-to guy when there is a coaching crisis at Dynamos, is now focusing on the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg against ZESCO United of Zambia in Botswana next weekend.
Chigowe is also aiming to win the Chibuku Super Cup and attain a top four finish.
“At the moment anything is possible because teams are not consistent. But a top-four finish plus another Chibuku Super Cup would be good,” he said.
Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya revealed that his team was hit by a serious flu bug. Skipper Walter Musona had to stay behind in Harare to receive treatment before flying to Bulawayo yesterday morning.
Musona only lasted the first 45 minutes.
“It was difficult for us; the whole camp was hit by a flu virus, so yeah, most of our players were struggling today,” he said.
Defensive linkman Tichaona Chipunza, who had a running stomach before the match, was pulled out in the second half. “But there was nothing we could do; we had to play the match as it were,” he said.
In the end, Ndiraya was happy with the point that kept his side firmly in the title race.
“Because of the issues I spoke about, we couldn’t go pound for pound with Dynamos,” said Ndiraya, whose team surrendered the lead 10 minutes from time. He also spoke about the change of the venue from Rufaro Stadium to Barbourfields.
“We had prepared to play in Harare, but we ended up coming to Bulawayo,” he said.
Dynamos are yet to beat Simba Bhora in the league. Last season, both matches produced goalless draws, while Simba Bhora beat Dynamos at Wadzanai Stadium early this season.
At Nyamhunga Stadium, CAPS United made it two successive wins with a late winner against ZPC Kariba. Ralph Kawondera scored an 85th minute winner as CAPS United followed up on their 1-0 win over FC Platinum at Rufaro last week.
At the Heart Stadium, a brace by Tafadzwa Sibanda and a late goal from Washington Navaya earned TelOne a dominant 3-1 away victory against Yadah. Yadah had earlier equalised through captain Vincent Sango.
Yesterday’s win by TelOne was their first in seven matches, having last won a league match on June 22 against Arenel Movers. Yadah missed the services of talisman Khama Billiat, who was ruled out of the match due to a flu bug. With TelOne currently 15th on the log standings, coach Herbert Maruwa described the result as a sweet victory for his charges, which will boost their confidence as they fight for survival.
“It is a massive victory. We knew one day we will get it right and I am happy with the three points that we have managed to get. These three points are good for us as they will boost our confidence. All we need now is to focus on the next game,” said the TelOne gaffer.
Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive blamed the defeat on mistakes made by his charges.
“It was a disappointing defeat for us. We made some schoolboy blunders and gave away the three points to the opponents. We played very well, but the silly mistakes cost us,” he said.
At Luveve Stadium, Bulawayo Chiefs beat Bikita Minerals through a first-half goal by Reason Sibanda.
At the Green Fuel Arena, Green Fuel and Chicken Inn settled for a goalless draw to complete the day’s action.
Results
Dynamos 1-1 Simba Bhora
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 Bikita Minerals
Yadah 1-3 TelOne
Green Fuel 0-0 Chicken Inn
ZPC Kariba 0-1 CAPS United
FC Platinum 3-1 Arenel Movers
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