The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Herentals FC ………………………………2
Mushowani Stars FC …………………..0
HERENTALS owner Innocent Benza’s record of being the Castle Lager Premiership’s oldest player at 47 was cancelled yesterday as Mushowani Stars gave George Gavaza a top-flight debut at the age of 48, albeit on a losing cause for the visitors at the National Sports Stadium.
Gavaza, who is believed to be a transport beneficiary for Mushowani Stars, was introduced five minutes from time for Sylon Chikwengwere.
Mushowani assistant coach Warren Mapanga defended the inclusion of the 48-year-old saying he is part of the team and has every right to feature for the Bindura based side.
“He is a registered player for our team and just like any other player, he has got the right to play,” said Mapanga.
The victory helped Herentals ease their relegation worries as they moved two places above the drop zone while Mushowani remained stuck at the bottom of the log.
Despite the axe hovering over his team, Mapanga believes his charges still have a mathematical chance of surviving the chop.
“We have been struggling financially for the whole season and we have gone for months without pay, and to expect maximum concentration from these guys is difficult. But if we are to win all of our remaining three games, we can survive relegation,” said Mapanga.
After playing in a dull first half which saw neither side managing a shot target, goals by Juan Mutudza and Blessing Majarira in the 53rd and 65th minutes settled the game.
Mutudza converted from a free-kick just outside the penalty box while Majarira capitalised on a defensive error.
Herentals coach Kumbibrai Mutiwekuziva was a relieved man.
“It is a good result for us and it gives some confidence to the charges. We are looking forward to having another dance in the top flight next season.
We have opened up a good gap with the other relegation threatened teams and this builds confidence for the team,” said Mutiwekuziva.
With the match going to the break tied, Mutiwekuziva revealed that he gave a motivational speech to his charges during the 15-minute break.
“I told the guys that if we are to survive relegation then they have to make a difference in the last 45 minutes. They worked so hard to manage a win in a difficult match,” he said.
With no shot on target achieved in the first half of the match, both teams came back from the breather charged. However, they still fell short in the final third, where they took turns to blow away clear cut chances.
Teams:
Herentals: P. Tafiremutsa, B. Majarira, G. Chinobva, D. Chitsanzara, W. Chimbetu, J. Mutudza, P. Chota, T. Benza, I Benza, C. Mavhurume, B. Majarira.
Mushowani Stars FC: H. Makainganwa, C. Nyakope, E. Mafirenyika, D. Clive, A.Phiri ( C. Muvuti 70 min), C. Zimhondi, , S. Chikwengwere, ( G. Gavaza 85 mi), S. Bavare, C Musimwa
