The Sunday Mail
ZPC KARIBA coach Saul Chaminuka insisted that his side is fighting relegation despite watching them stretch their unbeaten run to 17 matches with a goalless draw against a fired-up Hwange at Gwanzura Stadium yesterday.
In Zvishavane, Lloyd Mutasa was on the receiving end of some verbal abuse from some FC Platinum supporters after his side was held at home by a battling Chapungu.
At Gwanzura, ZPC Kariba had the better chances in the first half, but were let down by some poor shooting, top scorer Artwell Nyamiwa, veteran Limited Chikafa and the revitalised Pride Tafirenyika being the chief culprits.
Chaminuka rued the missed chances.
“We played well, especially in the first half and we could have scored two or three goals, but we wasted the chances.
“The second half was almost a different game altogether. After failing to score in the first half, we played a rather cautious game in the second half and had to hang on, especially in the dying minutes when I thought we were going to lose the match.
“We got a point and I am sure it will help us in our quest for survival. We will talk about safety when we get to 40 points and we are still nine points off that mark. Who knows what might happen in the next three games?” said Chaminuka.
ZPC Kariba’s 10th draw of the season left them equal on points with Highlanders who, however, lead the table courtesy of a superior goal difference.
It was another good day in the office for goalkeeper Tendai Hove who registered his 11th clean sheet of the season.
Hwange coach Nation Dube was satisfied with the away point, which leaves Chipangano in the top four although they could be dislodged by Caps United who play Chicken Inn today.
“We did not utilise our chances and at the end of the day it ended goalless. Yes, we didn’t score when we should have, but I am not disappointed.
“It is a clean sheet and I am very happy with the point gained,” said Dube.
Meanwhile, at Mandava Stadium, irate FC Platinum fans bayed for the head of Mutasa, who is under pressure to deliver after a series of poor results.
The demonstrations came amid revelations that most members of the club’s executive believe relieving the coach of his duties and replacing him with assistant coach Ralph Kawondera is the panacea.
However, Kawondera last night insisted that his fate is linked to that of Mutasa.
“Look, I am at FC Platinum because of Lloyd. He called me to assist him and that is what I am here to do. If Samaita is fired, I will go too just like was the case when we were at Dynamos,” he said.
Results at a glance:
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Hwange
FC Platinum 0-0 Chapungu
