Simba Bhora end Manica Diamonds’ unbeaten run

Zimpapers Sports Hub

SIMBA BHORA flexed their muscles to end Manica Diamonds’ 13-match unbeaten run with a narrow win in a tense Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva yesterday afternoon.

Simba Bhora midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe ran the show the entire afternoon and his stunning effort in the third minute gave Tonderai Ndiraya’s men a deserving victory.

In the process, the club completed a double over the Gem Boys after beating them 3-2 at Sakubva Stadium in the opening game of the season.

Simba Bhora were dominant and could have won by a wider margin had they been sharper in front of goal.

With the victory, Simba Bhora moved into third place, level on 33 points with defending champions Ngezi Platinum, who won 1-0 at home to newcomers Arenel Movers at Baobab Stadium.

At the end of the match, Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera declined to entertain reporters, as he went straight into the dressing room.

Ndiraya felt his troops deserved maximum points, but he conceded that his striking department needed attention.

“We won against a team that had gone for a long time without losing and we knew they were going to come at us in the early minutes of the game and we did well to manage that situation,” he said.

“We missed a lot of chances, which I think on a good day, we could have scored four or five times, but all I can say is I’m satisfied with the win.”

At Baobab, Obriel Chirinda was on target again for Ngezi Platinum, as his fourth consecutive goal scored in the fourth minute was the difference.

Takesure Chiragwi’s charges now have seven victories in a row.

At the Heart Stadium, former Zimbabwe international Khama Billiat’s first-half strike was not enough to hand Yadah FC maximum points, as visiting Hwange came from behind in the late stages of the match to force a one-all draw.

Billiat put the hosts in front on the half-hour mark when he headed a King Nadolo cross, scoring his seventh goal of the season in the process.

Hwange had to come from behind to force a share of the spoils, with a late equaliser from Prichard Mpelele.

Hwange coach Rodwell Dhlakama said: “We could have collected three points on the backdrop that we created a lot of chances which we failed to convert.

“And during the run of play, we conceded a goal, which dampened our spirits, but I am happy that the boys showed character and bounced back to collect a point.”

Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive felt his team could have done more.

“We played very well and created a lot of chances, which we failed to convert, and we went to sleep in the last five minutes of the game and we were punished,” he said.

At Sakubva stadium, Herentals beat Bikita Minerals 1-0 via a penalty by John Zhuwawo

The home side took to X to make a subtle dig at the match officials.

“Full time, Bikita Minerals 0, Herentals 1. Bikita 7 yellow cards, 2 red cards. No comment, we fight on. Losing feels bad and causes emotional pain, especially if you have deep love for the team and game. We move on and focus on the next match,” the team posted.

At Luveve stadium, Bulawayo Chiefs came from a goal behind to beat Green Fuel 2-1. Boyz Dzenharo, as Green Fuel are affectionately known, were thrust into the lead by seasoned player Clive Rupiya in the 21st minute after his blistering shot from close range beat a badly exposed Prosper Matutu on his near side.

In the second stanza, the Thulani Sibanda-coached Bulawayo Chiefs got the equaliser through Godfrey Muchenje in the 58th minute.

It was not long before Leroy “Lister” Ndlovu, an ex-Black Mambas and Chicken Inn striker, made it two for Bulawayo Chiefs.

“It’s a good result for us and I’m happy for the boys. We might be losing players to other clubs, but I’m very much confident we will continue to get some other talented players and collect more crucial points as compared to the first half of the season.

“It’s still game on from our end,” said Sibanda.

Green Fuel are on 20 points and their assistant coach Taurai Mangwiro was a dejected man.

“After we got the goal in the first half, we thought we were now on course to collect our full set of points on the road. In the second half, we wanted to get a cushion goal. We need to get the team out of the mud. We need to survive relegation. Yes, we found an already assembled team; it’s a well-balanced team, but since the transfer window is still open, we hope we will be able to bring our own players on board,” he said.

Match Day 18

Yesterday

Bikita Minerals 0-1 Herentals

Bulawayo Chiefs               2-1 Green Fuel

Ngezi Platinum 1-0 Arenel Movers

Simba Bhora       1-0 Manica Diamonds

Yadah    1-1 Hwange

Today

Dynamos             v Highlanders (Rufaro)

Chicken Inn         v CAPS United (Luveve)

Chegutu Pirates                v FC Platinum (Baobab)

TelOne v ZPC Kariba (Bata)