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Willard Manyengavana

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Northern Region Division One Soccer League yesterday awarded Mushowani Stars the match against Lake Harvest after the latter failed to turn up for the game in Madziva two weeks ago.

Lake Harvest were facing financial problems following the withdrawal of their main sponsor and they could not fulfil the fixture.

However, the club have since committed themselves to remain in the league and confirmed that they have a sponsor coming on board but are still tying some lose ends to the deal.

The league’s board yesterday awarded Mushowani the match on a 3-0 scoreline as per their rules.

And for their outstanding game against Herentals the match will be rescheduled since the Kariba-based side requested for it to be postponed.

Northern Region League chairman, Willard Manyengavana, confirmed the decision yesterday.

“They lost the game 3-0 because what happened is they didn’t communicate with anyone. Yes we had a letter that their sponsor had withdrawn but they didn’t tell anyone that they could not fulfil the fixture.

“Actually I personally spoke to them but they didn’t say anything, everyone had to go there (Madziva), Mushowani, match officials and even the office didn’t know.

“So we really can’t blame anyone and we can’t order for a replay,” said Manyengavana.

Manyengavana, however, said they postponed Lake Harvest’s match against Herentals that was set for last week as the club regrouped after some players had left the club following the sponsorship issue.

“For that one at least they asked us to postpone. We don’t normally postpone matches but I think they had a genuine reason and for that reason we accepted,” Manyengavana said.

The decision is a welcome development for Mushowani Stars, who moved five places up to sixth place on the log tables with 26 points.

This might also make life a little bit easy for Mushowani’s caretaker coach, Angirai Chapo, who has been given four games to prove himself by the club.

Chapo took over from player/coach, Lawrence Makoni, when the second round kicked-off.

Club owner, Lovemore Nyakasoka, said they were hopeful Chapo will help the team get the needed results after a slow start to their campaign this season.

“He seems to be doing well. We gave him four games starting from the one which Lake Harvest didn’t appear to collect eight points. If he passes this test we will engage him as the substantive coach.

“So far he has four points and has two more games. Suppose we win on Saturday he would have raised three more points.

“With coaches what we need are points but then if you can’t produce points it’s not good for the club because we want points, sport is business. So there is no use in bringing coaches who can’t produce results,” said Nyakasoka.

Meanwhile, Blue Jest coach, Teererai Zinyowera said they need to improve their play, in particular their defence, after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Blue Swallows on Wednesday at Rimuka.

“We are fighting relegation but I think we are trying by all means to survive. But my guys were not up to their best because we conceded two silly goals.

“We are scoring goals but we are also conceding, we are giving away goals. We need to rectify that problem especially our defence,” said Zinyowera.

Blue Swallows will lock horns with Cargo Carriers tomorrow at GMB Aspindale.

Tomorrow

Gunners v Black Rhinos (Motor Action Ground), Mushowani v ZRP FC (Madziva), Blue Swallows v Darwin (Manyame), Cargo Carriers v Blue Jets (GMB Aspindale), DStv Rangers v Starbill (Old Hararians).

Sunday

Herentals v Seven Flames (NSS), Ngezi Platinum v Lake Harvest (Baobab), DC Academy v ZRP Morris (Tomlinson), Karoi v Zatex (Chikangwe).