The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Mushowani Stars FC………………..2
Black Rhinos……………………………0
A first half brace by former Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Evans Katema saw Mushowani Stars finally break the duck and claim their victory in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
The victory was a big relief for Newman Mashipe who described the Premiership newboys victory as a historic win.
“I am at a loss of words, this is a historic win for the club.
“We have been playing good football since day one and it was just unfortunate that we couldn’t get maximum points,” said Mashipe.
Black Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa blamed the loss on complacency.
“It was tough match for us and they were a better side.
“I told my boys that Mushowani are looking for their first win, hence they are a dangerous side and we should not allow them to score first as that could give them the confidence.
“It was not to be as we defended poorly the first goal which was a counter-attack and also the guys were a bit complacent and I think this is where we lost it, but this is not the end of the world,” said Maruwa.
The hosts started off as the better side of the two teams making in-roads into the Black Rhinos defence creating numerous scoring chances in the early stages of the match only to be let down by a blunt strike-force.
Black Rhinos were quick to calm their nerves and started building from the back forcing the hosts to defend deep.
Mushowani Stars launched a counter-raid in the 20th minute through Tendai Mutandi who found Sunny Savare on the run.
After beating his marker on the left flank Savare went for a low cross which saw Katema unleashing powerful volley to hand Mushowani the lead.
The former Ngezi Platinum Stars and 2014 Division One Soccer Star of the year came back to haunt Rhinos 10 minutes later when he banged in a free-kick from just outside the box.
Rhinos’ first attempt at goal came five minutes after the breather when Jameson Mukombwe shot straight into the arms of Hamilton Makainganwa from a free-kick before second half substitute Alan Gahadzikwa saw his long range effort being parried away for a corner 15 minutes from time.
Teams:
Mushowani Stars FC: H Makainganwa, C Nyakope, S Sunny, M Eriya, M Doley, W Tafa, C Dzingayi, K Kapikinyu, T Mutandi( 83’ J Tulani), C Zimhondi ( 77’G Bvundura), E Katema
Black Rhinos: A Reyners, T Jaravani, F Banda, B Homora, J Mukombwe, G Saunyama, F Zekumbawira (55’ M Chiwanza) , V Mhandu, M Demera, E Chigiji ( 45 +1’ H Chimutimunzeve) , W Kapinda (46’ A Gahadzikwa ‘)
