adminGrace Chingoma
Harare Bureau
ZPC Kariba 5-2 Buffaloes
ZPC Kariba midfielder Raphael Manuvire notched his fourth goal of this season as his team hammered Buffaloes in a Good Friday match at Gwanzura yesterday as he continued his incredible comeback from a horrific injury.
Manuvire, who was injured on June 14 last year during a league match against Chapungu at Gwanzura, after a nasty tackle by Blessed Mbavarira, has scored in every league match since the season begun.
He was the first player on target for the hosts yesterday when he converted a spot kick in the 18th minute before Artwell Nyamiwa (23rd minute), Dexter Phiri (42nd minute) Russel Madamombe (60th minute) and Tawanda Nyamandwe (90th minute) capped a fine day for Kauya Katuruturu.
Buffaloes got their consolation goals through defender Prosper Matizanadzo, who headed home in the 49th minute, before Jacob Muzokomba added another consolation in the 70th minute via a penalty.
Yesterday, Manuvire who also scored a brace in last weekend’s match against Hwange, praised his coach Saul Chaminuka.
“I’m happy with what is happening to me at the moment. But I believe all this is because of the coach who is believing in me and has given me a chance to start in all the matches after six months without kicking a ball.
“It was a difficult and painful time for me. But there was nothing I could do as getting injured can happen to anyone and in this case it happened to me.
“I hope I have started the season well but it is not for me to judge myself but to get the feedback from people who see what I do.
“I just hope I will continue to do well and score goals. At the moment I just want to enjoy my game after that sad period,” he said.
ZPC Kariba are meeting Chapungu again on Easter Monday and it seems the nightmare of Manuvire’s injury are still haunting them as Chaminuka said it was going to be a grudge match.
“We hope to come out with a positive result. We have a grudge to settle with Chapungu.
“Last week we scored three goals and we have scored a total of ten goals in three matches.
“We want to think that we’re not bad when it comes to scoring but the problem is we’re letting in too many goals.
“At times our players allow in silly goals. We will work hard and I’m sure we will come right,” he said.
The coach was not particularly happy with the way left back defender Dexter Phiri carried on with business at the back where he also conceded a penalty after he fouled Buffaloes striker Lloyd Katongomara.
Buffaloes coach Joseph Takaringofa says his defence is not to blame but they’re just being unlucky.
“We have conceded so many goals and it is disappointing. Maybe, the only positive thing is that we would be using Sakubva and the 12th man should come in handy.
“It’s not about our defence, which is performing below par, but it was just not our day. The players were playing well and maybe the referee’s decisions also affected us.
“I didn’t see the foul which got ZPC Kariba their first goal. I only saw Phillip Chandisaita controlling the ball down with his chest I didn’t see any handball,” he said.
The coach said they were now looking forward to their match against Highlanders at Sakubva on Monday.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter