The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
ZPC Kariba. . . . . . . ( 1) 2
Bantu Rovers . . . . . . . 0ZPC KARIBA powered their way back to the top of the Castle Premier Soccer League as coach Saul Chaminuka returned to the bench at Gwanzura yesterday.
The hosts looked a bit a nervous following two consecutive defeats.
ZPC Kariba lost 0-1 to Harare City in the Chibuku Cup before falling 0-3 away to Chapungu in midweek.
A goal in each half from the skilful Norest Mukwezaramba and workaholic right back Obey Mwerahari were enough to see Chaminuka’s men dislodge Dynamos.
The electricians moved to 38 points, two clear of DeMbare who play Triangle in Chiredzi and three ahead of Highlanders who face a revitalised FC Platinum at Mandava this afternoon.
The soft-spoken Chaminuka, however, downplayed the effect of his absence from the bench and for the first time conceded that his team is eyeing the league title.
“Yes, the team lost twice while I was away but that doesn’t mean they could have won those games had I been available. We lose or win as a team and the good thing is we have bounced back.
“The championship race is now open for everyone, us included. Those two losses actually came at the right time because we were getting a bit complacent, thinking results would just come. The defeats were a timely wake up call for the guys,” said Chaminuka who admitted his side played below par.
ZPC goalie Tendai Hove once again proved why he is probably the best keeper in the land today with some crucial saves en route to his 13th clean sheet of the season while revived linkman Pride Tafirenyika was industrious as usual.
Bantu Rovers coach Methembe Ndlovu conceded his team’s chances of avoiding relegation are diminishing with each outing.
“Honestly speaking, we are on the outside looking in. We have lost too many matches and the players are suffering from a confidence crisis.
“We will continue fighting though, keep putting up a strong line up for the respect of the league and see what happens,” said Ndlovu whose side are second from bottom with 16 points from 21 games.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn Joey “Mafero” Antipas was left breathing much easier after goals from Danny Phiri and Thabani Goredema gave his side a 2-0 win over Shabanie Mine.
Antipas has been under pressure to deliver after a series of poor results.
Results at a Glance
Harare City 3- 0 How Mine
Chicken Inn 2- 0 Shabanie Mine 0
ZPC Kariba 2-0 Bantu Rovers
