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Langton Nyakwenda, in NGEZI

Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . (0) 1

Cranborne Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

IN the end, it was a perfect welcome back for veteran coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, who returned to the Premiership dugout after a 12-year hiatus.

Jongwe replaced Expense Chitukutuku at Yadah Stars early this week and got off to a dream start as The Miracle Boys edged Cranborne Bullets in a Chibuku Super Cup preliminary round contest at Baobab yesterday.

Russell Chifura’s last gasp header was the difference between the two sides, in a largely balanced affair that kicked off at midday, in a double header schedule at Baobab.

Black Rhinos also won the preliminary round play-off against new boys Sheasham via a penalty shoot-out, later in the day at the same venue.

The teams had played a goalless draw in regulation time before the army side triumphed 4-3 following a penalty tie-break.

Rhinos will now meet Manica Diamonds in the first round of the country’s premier cup competition this coming weekend.

Yadah Stars will play two-time winners FC Platinum in a first round clash at Mandava on Saturday.

Their win yesterday was a huge relief for Yadah Stars who are struggling in the league and a big welcome gift for Jongwe who returned to the Premiership dugout for the first time in 12 years.

His last top flight job was with CAPS United in 2011.

“You wouldn’t know how I am feeling today.

“A lot happened to me while I was away,” an elated Jongwe told the media.

“To be away from the game for such a long time and then come back and get a win is good.

“It’s good for the club. “We hope we keep grinding results.”

Jongwe has been concentrating on farming before he got the Yadah job.

He has taken over from Chitukutuku who has been demoted to assistant coach position.

“All along I have been doing some coaching instructions.

“I also have a small plot so I can also say I was coaching vegetables,” revealed the former ZIFA technical director.

Yadah had some chances in the first half which they fluffed.

In some instances, chief striker Jerry Chipangura opted to pass in front of goal, when shooting was the best decision, though the former Harare City man had a decent game for Yadah once again.

Chipangura joined Yadah from Division One side Harare City in July.

Charles Moffat also blasted his effort wide after he was set up by Chipangura in the 35th minute.

On the other end, former Ngezi Platinum Stars and Triangle forward Wellington “Hwezha” Taderera showed that he still has got the touch.

The 2019 Soccer Star of the Year finalist left Triangle United for Cranborne Bullets during the mid-season window.

He partnered Vincent Mhandu upfront but could not save the 2021 semi-finalists from bowing out of the tournament at the first hurdle. But their coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera felt the defeat was a blessing in disguise as he wanted his team to concentrate on preserving its Premiership status.

Cranborne Bullets are second from bottom on the log table after 18 rounds of the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

They finally arrested a six-match losing streak when they beat basement side Black Rhinos 2-1 last weekend.

“I can’t really say we wanted to lose but we are in the relegation zone and I think we need to concentrate on our survival in the league,” said Saruchera.

“We can’t chase two things at the same time.” Cranborne Bullets reached the semi-final last year before they were knocked out by Herentals.