Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
CAPS United coach Mark Harrison has said the poor conversion rate by his team is a reflection of the challenges faced not only by Zimbabwe but the entire continent as Africa battles for prolific goalscorers.

The Green Machine gaffer said the domestic Premiership faces a goalscoring crisis following a dry weekend in which his side were guilty of missing some clear-cut chances in their 1-1 draw against ZPC Kariba at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The PSL experienced a dry weekend after nine of the 16 teams failed to find the target.

Only eight goals were scored at the weekend as newboys Whawha were the only side to score more than once in their 2-1 win over FC Platinum.

Three of the contests ended goalless.

Besides Triangle and ZPC Kariba, who have been scoring regularly, goals appear to have dried up this year.

But is it a problem of the players?

Is it to do with the tactics being employed by the teams?

Are the teams being too defensive?

Harrison said the league faces a dearth of goalscorers after watching his strikers fluff chance after chance in a dry weekend for the local PSL.

Harrison, who has coached in South Africa, said the rate of conversion was disappointing and urged the strikers to take more responsibility.

“We have to work hard in training on crossing and finishing and concentration. Sometimes with players, especially African players, for some reason, if you go across Africa, there is a massive problem in scoring goals.

“You look at top goalscorers in this league and in South Africa it’s 10, 12 and 13 but if you go to Europe they are rating 30 goals. “So they (strikers) have got to take it more seriously when they get into that box, in that final third you got to be more serious. Deliver a good quality cross and a good strike on goal,” said Har- rison.

Last year, Charles Sibanda and Kuda Musharu shared the Golden Boot with 12 goals apiece.

Tendai Ndoro had 18 goals in 2013 while Nelson Maziwisa won the accolade the previous year with the same number of goals. Rodreck Mutuma had 14 goals when he won the Golden Boot in 2011.

Interestingly, ZPC Kariba midfielder Raphael Manuvire is currently leading the charts with five goals from six starts followed by teammate Artwell Nyamiwa, who has found the target four times.

Reigning champions Dynamos featured in a goalless draw against Harare City to remain second on the log standings.

They have scored seven goals in six starts but they are better off than rivals Highlanders who just scored their third goal, in as many matches, in the 1-0 win over Dongo Sawmill on Sunday to climb to fourth place. DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro said the belief that there are no longer minnows in football has driven coaches to be cautious in their approach.

“I think it’s more to do with the strategies that are being used by the coaches.

“Most of the football is being played in the midfield and as a result there isn’t a lot of goalmouth action which you are talking about.

Fixtures

Friday: FC Platinum v Tsholotsho (Mandava)

Saturday: How Mine v Whawha (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Flame Lily (Gwanzura)

Sunday: Highlanders v CAPS United (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Chapungu (Sakubva), Hwange v Dongo Sawmill (Colliery), Triangle v Harare City (Gibbo), Dynamos v Chicken Inn (Rufaro)

You Might Also Like

Comments

Take our Survey

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey