adminZIMBABWE saints were made to pay dearly for mediocrity in their ranks and the late registration of players when they were held by Shabanie at Luveve yesterday.
Saints, who got back to the Premiership scene after acquiring a franchise at the beginning of the season, managed to register just 20 players.
Injuries to some of them, including Leo Kurauzvione and Tafadzwa Maingire, saw the technical staff throw only three substitutes on the bench.
Coach Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo said Kurauzvione and Maingire were on the casualty list and were still on their way from Harare.
While there were some good moments in a match Saints dominated, the teams were let down by poor finishing.
Shabanie veteran Lennon Chisunga had his effort blocked by Munyaradzi Diya in a goalmouth melee after a raid on the left.
Saints’ first real opportunity came in the 15th minute when diminutive attacking midfielder Castro Ndebele forced a save off Roy Mazingi in goals for Shabanie.
From the resultant corner kick Chipo Tsodzo headed the ball to Ntokozo Tshuma on the near post but his header was saved.
Soon after the break, Saints’ Fortune Nyambosi roasted his marker Jonathan Chitereki and sent in a beauty that Joel Nyama failed to connect.
Arnold Jani, the Shabanie coach, was content with the result.
He said his team was affected by the absence of top players like Caleb Masocha (suspension) and Tafadzwa Mombeshora through injury.
“The point was worth it, we played as a unit and earned a point away from home,” said Jani.
Khumalo said they did not play as well as they would have wanted and said injuries in their camp had affected them. “We registered late and were unable to register the minimum of 25 so we have 20 players and some of them were on the casualty list.
“We did not play as well as we are capable of doing. I am happy with the point,” said Khumalo.
Teams
Zimbabwe Saints: M Diya, V Chitemu, C Tsodzo, D Phiri, C Ndebele, N Tshuma, M Phakathi, F Nyambosi (N Murisa 55th minute), A Mbayiwa, J Nyama (H Ncube 77th minute), B Chikaka
Shabanie Mine: R Mazingi, S Shoko, R Nenzou, B Dimanji, J Chisunga, E Bakacheza (A Nyoni 54th minute), J Chitereki, T Rukanda (J Chizororo 65th minute), R Mware, T Mareya, S Muchabaiwa.
Online Reporter