DeMbare edge Manica Diamonds Tonderai Ndiraya

Ray Bande in Mutare

Manica Diamonds . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 0

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

DYNAMOS coach Tonderai Ndiraya heaved a huge sigh of relief after collecting maximum points when they dismissed a clueless Manica Diamonds in a dull Castle Lager Premiership football encounter at Sakubva yesterday.

Given the pressure, which has been mounting on Ndiraya in recent weeks, having gone for three successive rounds of league matches without victory, it was understandable to see the beaming smile on his face after Rusape-based referee Brighton Chimene blew the final whistle. 

Only last week, Dynamos fans staged a demonstration at the National Sports Stadium barricading the team inside the dressing room demanding the sacking of head coach Ndiraya after their faint hopes of catching up with log leaders FC Platinum were extinguished by the 1-0 defeat by Ngezi Platinum Stars.

In a post match interview yesterday, Ndiraya said: “This was not an easy match. Congratulations to the boys. They did well to win this encounter more so given the background that we had gone for a lengthy period without winning. I am happy for the team.”

Be that as it may, yesterday’s unexciting match between Manica Diamonds and Dynamos was just another sad reminder of how the standards of local football have plummeted, no wonder the argument proffered by a section of followers of the game who strongly believe that the product is not even worth the US$3 stadium entry fee charged at the turnstiles. 

With a counter attraction in English Premiership clash pitting Manchester United and Manchester City being played at the same time yesterday, it was not a surprise that the match at Sakubva could not get the usual big crowds that DeMbare usually attract whenever they visit Mutare.

Dynamos were first off the blocks and were only unlucky not to be awarded a penalty seven minutes into the match when a Manica diamonds defender appeared to have handled the ball inside the box.

The visitors almost took the lead 15 minutes into the encounter after Emmanuel Jalai connected a low cross from Issa Sadiki’s corner but the alert veteran defender Temba Ndlovu cleared the ball off the goal line. 

DeMbare, who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, kept pilling the pressure on their opponents and created a number of clear-cut scoring opportunities but their strikers somehow took turns to miss the target.

Both teams went for the breather without a goal.

However, Dynamos finally took the lead in the 65th minute when Frank Muparati made the most of an Emmanuel Paga pass in the box as he did well to deceive Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo with a low shot that nestled in the left corner to score what eventually became the only goal of the match.

The result left under fire Manica Diamonds coach Johanisi Nhumwa almost clueless on what to do to change his team’s fortunes.

“It is the same thing again. We are creating chances but our conversion rate is terrible. We are just not scoring goals. We have been like this for many matches now and it is something that I think we just have to keep working on to improve. 

Teams

Manica Diamonds: Jorum Muchambo, Charles Teguru, Eriya Mafirenyika, Themba Ndlovu (Timire Mamvura, 69th minute), Carlton Munzabwa, Liberty Chakoroma (Xolisani Moyo, 72nd minute), Talent Chamboko (Micheal Tapera, 69th minute), Jefrey Takunda, Tichaona Mabvura, Pasca Manhanga (Nyasha Chintuli, 62nd minute), Lloyd Katongomara (Farai Mugumwa, 69th minute).

Dynamos: Prince Tafiremutsa, Partson Jaure, Keith Murera, Issa Sadiki (Brendon Mpofu 87th minute), Emmanuel Paga (Ralph Kawondera 87th minute), Junior Makunike, Emanuel Jalai, Tinashe Makanda (Evans Katema, 67th minute), Trevor Mavhunga, Tinotenda Muringai, Frank Mukarati.

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