The Sunday Mail
Neville Dube
Golden Eagles…………. (1) 3
Ngezi Platinum Stars U-19………0
VETERAN forward Chris Samakwere added his name to the scoresheet as Golden Eagles resumed their Ruyamuro Northern Region Soccer League campaign in style when they dismissed Ngezi Platinum Under-19 at Ellis Robins yesterday.
Samakwere, who has seen duty with the now-defunct Monomotapa and Congolese giants TP Mazembe, headed home the cushioning goal and Golden Eagles second in the 60th minute after Lindell Mufundisi had thrust the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time.
It was all over as a contest in time added on in the second period when Henry Manatsa found the hosts’ third.
The Northern Region Division One league had been on a mid-season month-long break, during which teams in the top half of the log table featured in the Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup tournament.
But Gilbert Mushangazhike’s charges showed they had not lost any of their spark as they overcame Ngezi, who are under the guidance of former Blackpool defender Klifton “Somalia’’ Kadurira.
Mushangazhike was pleased to resume the championship march on a winning note.
“I am very happy that we won after a very long lay-off.
“We were anticipating how this team would play and we had played them two games in the league and cup.
“It was always difficult but today I am happy that I got three points.
“The preparations and the Axis Solutions Cup helped us to continue with the momentum.
“I am glad the hard work in training is showing through the results.”
Kadurira was disappointed with the way his charges played.
“We played a better side, so I think the long break also affected us.
“Going forward, we need to polish up some positions and we still have a thin team.
“We have some injured players in our squad and that also affected us.
“This is a developmental side and we look for good players so that they graduate to the senior team (in the Premiership).”
Leaders Simba Bhora also resumed their campaign with a victory when they edged Stewart “Shutto’’ Murisa’s Banket United 2-1 at Wadzanayi in Shamva.
Elsewhere, Chegutu Pirates beat Karoi United 1-0 at Pfupajena, Chinhoyi Stars won by the same margin against Cam and Motor at home and Commando Bullets also dispatched Black Mambas 1-0 at Morris Depot.
