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Moses Chunga

Oscar Rusenga in CHIREDZI
Chiredzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1
How Mine . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2Kudakwashe MUSHARU was rewarded for his efforts as he scored a priceless first half brace to hand How Mine a deserved Castle Lager Premier Soccer League victory and pile the misery on newboys Chiredzi at Chishamiso Stadium yesterday.

The gold miners arrived in Lowveld in confident mood having accounted for Shabanie Mine in their previous assignment. In contrast Chiredzi, who are still to register a win in the top-flight, had fallen to Black Rhinos at Rimuka last weekend and were hoping to pick up their first set of points. But after the former Monomotapa and Motor Action man found the target in the first half, it became a tall order for Moses Chunga’s men. With the two sides seemingly balanced, it was Musharu – employed as a lone striker – who showed his intentions when tried to create space for himself in the 10th minute but was shut down by Jimmy Dzingai.

Musharu, How Mine’s leading scorer in the Caf Confederation Cup competition, then got it right in a two-minute blitz by the visitors.
Wonder Sithole raced on the left flank, dribbling past Tapiwa Dephistara who committed himself before cutting back a pass which found Musharu on the back post. The tall striker did not make a mistake as he hammered the ball into the roof of the net to give Simon Kafitire no chance.

Sithole was the provider again, capitalising on a lapse by Chiredzi midfielders, his defence- splitting pass found Musharu who was only left with keeper to beat. Musharu converted for his second in first half stoppage time. Chiredzi also had their opportunities to hit back in the first half.

In the 22nd minute, Dzingai tried his luck from long range but his shot flew over the bar after a quick one-two with Malvern Gaki.
Philip Nelson also headed wide from a free-kick. Chunga said he was not happy with his team’s lack of precision.

“We are creating lot of opportunities but the guys are letting us down, Philip missed what was going to be the confidence booster but that’s football,” said Chunga.

Once they found their goals in the opening period, How Mine chose to sit back and defend their lead in the second half. The hosts, however, pulled one back through experienced striker Norman Maroto in the 83rd  minute.

Maroto was introduced in the 81st minute for Malvern Gaki and scored with his first touch two minutes later after receiving a pass from Munyaradzi Chiwara and shrugging off a challenge by Brighton Dube. The goal gave Chiredzi hope and they almost scored through Kamudyariwa whose effort from 30 metres was brilliantly tipped over the bar for a corner by Ephraim Mazarura three minutes later.

How Mine coach Philani “Beefy’’ Ncube was happy with the win despite conceding that the match was not very interesting.
“We are under pressure because we did not start well this season. Chiredzi played very well in the second half but it was not their day.
“We played a lot of games in Africa and all teams have been following us and they really did good homework against us,” Ncube said.

Chunga complained that the two goals they conceded in succession were schoolboy mistakes but away from the results the veteran coach continued to beg for financial assistance for his project from the corporate world.

The Chiredzi coach also felt league sponsors, Castle could also chip in and assist his club.

Pointing to the Castle Lager banner, Chunga said: “Castle are doing a great job by sponsoring the league, but I think instead of partnering the likes of Barcelona it’s better they help the local teams. Messi does not even drink Castle Lager but he is benefiting from the beer we are drinking here at our own expense. We are not asking for both hands, we just need one little finger and with that one we can survive,” added Chunga.
Teams

Chiredzi: S. Kafitire, T. Mpungu, G. Kwaramba, D Bakali, P. Nelson(K Matogo), J. Dzingai, M. Chiwara, R Nenzou( W Kamudyariwa 55th minute), M. Gaki(N. Maroto, 81st minute), Sam Msimbu, T. Dephistara.

How Mine: E. Mazurura, X. Moyo, B. Dube, G. Banda, G. Magariro, E. Muzanenhamo, F. Chirinda, M. Mupera, K. Musharu, W. Sithole (J. Chitereki, 69th minute’), T. Masuku (B. Marere, 38th minute)