The Sunday Mail
Harare City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1
Shabanie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2
Former Zimbabwe international defender, Zvenyika Makonese, scored a second half goal that helped Shabanie Mine to their first away win of the season.
Shabanie Mine’s win condemned Harare City to their eighth defeat of the season at Rufaro yesterday.
The 37-year-old duly celebrated his 78th minute winner, which was a result of a goal melee, by simulating an old man walking with the aid of a walking stick as if to respond to the hosts’ supporters who were mocking him for his age.
Martin Vengesai had earlier on thrust City into the lead with his 14th minute strike from the blind side, off a Phenias Bhamusi cross. But with just a minute before the breather, Ashley Mukwena levelled for Shabanie from the penalty spot after William Manondo was adjudged to have handled inside the box.
Shabanie coach John Phiri was naturally elated with the result and praised Makonese for the positive impact he is having at one of the league’s oldest clubs.
“I am very happy with our first win away from home. Everybody was putting a lot of effort in search of this elusive win and I am impressed with Makonese who has been doing well motivating the youngsters and I hope he continues,” said Phiri.
A disappointed Bigboy Mawiwi, who had thought his team had turned the corner after a nightmarish start to the league, reckoned his charges paid dearly for underrating the visitors.
“I am very disappointed with the result especially considering that I have been telling the boys that Shabanie are a very good side who must be treated with respect. But it’s part of the game and one hopes we will bounce back in our next game,” said Mawiwi.
