The Sunday Mail
Harare City . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Nichrut FC . . . .0
Don Makanyanga
HARARE CITY never got out of first gear but a second half strike by Protasho Kabwe delivered their third Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win on the bounce at Rufaro yesterday.
Kabwe volleyed in a Kudakwashe Musharu header in the 56th minute after some poor Nichrut defending.
City coach Mark Harrison was not moved with the win but instead chose to remain focused on his 40 point target.
He believes 40 points will be enough for his side to survive the chop at the end of the season.
“As of today I think we were a bit off the pace, and unlike in last week’s game in which we deserved to win, today we had to grind a result,” he said.
“We have to keep our feet on the ground and remain focused on our goal which is to attain 40 points and I am happy with how we have started.
“The truth is that we did not have the grip on the game. They (Nichrut) were always pumping the ball upfront and I think we have to learn to play that kind of football because we have so many teams like that in the league.”
Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino felt let down by his strike force led by veteran Asani Nhongo.
“The boys played very well and like what happened in our previous game against Caps United, we went to sleep and conceded a soft goal and it’s unfortunate.
“We got a lot of chances in the first half and we should have capitalised on the chances. I think that is something we have to work on,” said Nyikadzino
Nichrut dominated proceedings in the first half and came close to surging ahead in the 29th minute when a James Chivasa effort was denied by the woodwork.
They continued to press, only to fail in the final third with Nhongo and Tatenda Hapazari as the main culprits.
Teams
Harare City FC:R Harrison,R Uchena T Chimwemwe,B Chayambuka,M Dironye-bye,T Samanja, M Muchenje,T Tumba,K Musharu(83’ W Muvirimi),P Kabwe,M Gaki (64’ M Vengesai)
Nichrut FC:T Jabangwe,G Bhero,A Nhongo (73’ N Mpinduki) ,R Mabhena (77’ K Sibanda) ,J Chivasa,S Masunda (88’ B Madhanhire) , D Boriwondo,F Bushiri, T Hapazari, E Mwinga, S Sithole
