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Raymond Jaravaza in Bulawayo
Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Ngezi Platinum . . . . . . 0

NGEZI Platinum coach Tonderayi Ndiraya’s stock continued to rise after his team snatched a vital point against champions Chicken Inn following a goalless draw at Barbourfields yesterday.

Chicken Inn coach Rahman Gumbo must have been left with a bitter taste in his mouth watching his players dominating the entire match only to settle for a draw.

Veteran Clement Matawu was the first culprit to miss an avalanche of chances that came Chicken Inn’s way when he shot into the stands in the 21st minute from a loose ball that had been punched back into play by Ngezi Platinum goalkeeper Nelson Chadya.

Striker Christopher Samakweri was the next to fluff a scoring chance after shaking off a defender only to try and squeeze his shot into the near post in the 31st min- ute.

Obadiah Tarumbwa limped off 10 minutes into the second half and was replaced by Moses Demera, who headed the ball down and out instead of the nets with goalkeeper Chadya stranded.

Chicken Inn literally camped in the Ngezi Platinum half throughout the match, but nothing materialised.

Ndiraya admitted that his strategy was to park the bus and allow the hosts to come at them.

“The strategy was to sit back and try to catch Chicken Inn on the break and I’m happy to say it worked perfectly well. It was a well earned point and the players showed fighting spirit. We have been working hard at training and it’s paying off,” said Ndiraya.

“Our immediate task is to get out of the relegation zone and then we can start to talk about a possible top eight finish,” he said.

Chicken Inn assistant coach Thulani Sibanda believes their strikers need to be more clinical in front of goal.

“We created so many chances, but our strikers were slow in front of goal. It’s an issue of consistency because we win and then go on to lose. The team is still work in progress and we need to get to that optimal performance level where we win games consistently. Defending the title is not really a top priority for us now,” Sibanda said.

Teams

Chicken Inn: E. Chipezeze, P. Bernard, M. Jackson, T. Goredema, C. Samakweri (75min, P Tafirenyika), G. Majika (C. Nkomo), D. Lunga, C. Matawu, D. Nyandoro, O. Tarumbwa (54 min, Demera).

Ngezi Platinum: N. Chadya, K. Murera, N. Ketala, L. Chakoroma, K. Machona, J. Marufu (82 min, I. Sokoso), E.Tapera, Tavari Davison, W. Pakamisa (70min, E. Katema), J. Ngulube (90min, K. Kapikinyu), W. Mukanga.