ZPC Kariba remains hopeful

Mukudzei Chingwere in Gweru

Nichrut ……………………………… 1

ZPC Kariba…………………………. 1

STRUGGLING Premiership side ZPC Kariba yesterday got their first league goal of the season, but remained winless after they were held to a one-all draw by debutants Nichrut at Ascot stadium.

Moses Demera rose from the bench to cancel Admire Hapazari’s first half strike, which in turn gave the electricians their first league goal drawing blanks in the first five games.The result means the Godfrey Tamirepi coached side remains at the basement of the standings with a meager two points, while the Shurugwi-based Nichrut now has six points.

Despite going for six matches without a win, Tamirepi refused to bury his head in the sand, saying it is too early to press the panic button.

“You know the past games we have been playing, we were not scoring and for me when I look at the performance from the guys, there is progress.

“We played against a good team which is fighting well in the league and getting our first goal against them is quite commendable. We had a false start but it is not something that is worrisome because the league is in its infancy and after six games, I do not think we have to press any panic buttons. In the last two games, we have progressed very well and we are in the right direction,” said Tamirepi.

Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino was disappointed as his side could not hold on to their lead and felt they deserved maximum points.

“Basically, I am happy with the way we played but honestly I would have wanted three points,” said Nyikadzino.

“I am disappointed we conceded from a set piece and believe we could have done much better at defending, but that is football.

“We will work on improving that,” said Nyikadzino. MaShurugwi controlled the opening stanza while the visitors played better in the second half although they couldn’t create meaningful chances at goal.