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Langton Nyakwenda, in Ngezi
Yadah Stars 1-0 Cranborne Bullets
IN the end, it was a perfect welcome back for veteran coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, who returned to the Premiership dugout after a 12-year hiatus.
Jongwe replaced Expense Chitukutuku at Yadah Stars early this week and got off to a dream start as The Miracle Boys edged Cranborne Bullets in a Chibuku Super Cup preliminary round contest at Baobab yesterday.
Russell Chifura’s last gasp header was the difference between the two sides, in a largely balanced affair.
Yadah Stars will now play two-time winners FC Platinum in a first round clash at Mandava on Saturday.
The win was a huge relief for Yadah Stars who are struggling in the league and a big welcome gift for Jongwe who returned to the Premiership dugout for the first time in 12 years.
His last top flight job was with Caps United in 2011.
“You don’t know how I am feeling today.
“A lot happened to me while I was away,” an elated Jongwe told the media.
“To be away from the game for such a long time and then come back and get a win is good.
“It’s good for the club. We hope we keep grinding results.”
Jongwe had been concentrating on farming before he got the Yadah job.
He has taken over from Chitukutuku who has been demoted to the assistant coach position.
“All along I have been doing some coaching instructions. I also have a small plot so I can also say I was coaching vegetables,” revealed the former Zifa technical director.
Yadah had some chances in the first half which they fluffed.
In some instances, chief striker Jerry Chipangura opted to pass in front of goal when shooting was the best decision, though the former Harare City man had a decent game for Yadah once again.
Chipangura joined Yadah from Division One side Harare City in July.
Charles Moffat also blasted his effort wide after he was set up by Chipangura in the 35th minute.
On the other end, former Ngezi Platinum Stars and Triangle forward Wellington “Hwezha” Taderera showed that he still has got the touch.
The 2019 Soccer Star of the Year finalist left Triangle United for Cranborne Bullets during the mid-season window.
He partnered Vincent Mhandu upfront but could not save the 2021 semi-finalists from bowing out of the tournament at the first hurdle.
But their coach Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera felt the defeat was a blessing in disguise as he wants his team to concentrate on preserving its Premiership status.
Cranborne Bullets are second from bottom on the log table after 18 rounds of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
They finally arrested a six-match losing streak when they beat basement side Black Rhinos 2-1 last weekend.
“I can’t really say we wanted to lose but we are in the relegation zone and I think we need to concentrate on our survival in the league,” said Saruchera.
“We can’t chase two things at the same time.”
Cranborne Bullets reached the semi-final last year before they were knocked out by Herentals.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter