The Herald, 17 August 1992

ZIMBABWE dampened South Africa’s euphoria of returning to the international arena by teaching them the rudiments of the game in yesterday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Sports Stadium.

After 22 years in the wilderness, the visitors were made to realise that “shu shine piano” football in which you string together a number of passes with very little progress, does not pay at this level of competition. And, it didn’t against a rampant Zimbabwe yesterday.

A happy Zimbabwe fan perhaps summed up the match well by saying: “We (Zimbabwe) don’t dance, but play football,” and that was the difference between the two teams.

While Zimbabwe were more tactically aware, attacking and defending as a team and playing the ball into space, the visitors were content to strike the ball around with little effect. The rude awakening for South Africa came in the first half when the hosts scored two goals.

Zimbabwe’s leading goal scorer Vitalis Takawira, gave the hosts a deserved lead in the seventh minute when he was allowed by the static South Africa defence to turn in the box and hit a grounder past Mark Anderson.

Rahman Gumbo increased the lead in the 20th minute when his first-time drive from outside the box hit the roof of the net.

South Africa reduced the arrears in the 21st minute when Phil “Chippa” Masinga finished off a beautiful move involving Doctor Khumalo, Donald “Ace” Khuse and Same Khambule.

In the 49th minute, Coventry City striker Peter Ndlovu converted from the spot. But Peter Ndlovu reserved his best for Zimbabwe’s fourth and last in the 55th minute and what a classic!

Peter Ndlovu’s elder brother Adam, sent a through ball to him on the right flank. The crafty player easily took on and beat two defenders, drew Anderson off his line and gently side-footed the ball home to help Zimbabwe register one of their biggest victories since independence.

LESSONS FOR TODAY
Team playing is critical in every exercise because it shows unity of purpose and an eagerness to achieve excellent results. Because Zimbabwe were better team players, they were more tactically superior to the visiting South African team.

South Africa came into the match as the favourites and they were taught a great lesson that they had a long way to go in international football.

An ecstatic crowd of Zimbabwean supporters provided a carnival atmosphere at the giant National Sports Stadium which worked in favour of the Zimbabwean team.

Soccer players and other athletes can only reminisce on how they would bask in glory following  such good results. The Covid-19 pandemic has closed their business, and made it difficult to restart sporting activities. Despite promises, no one really knows when the sporting business and other business activities will fully open, without danger.

Zimbabwe football has over the years regressed due to poor management, lack of sponsorship and endorsements. More can be done to match sports administration with our neighbours.

For historical information contact:
Zimpapers Knowledge Centre at Herald House on:
+263 8677 004323;

+263 0242 795771
E-mail: [email protected]

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