How Mine notch first win
How Mine F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 2 Chapungu FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 HOW Mine coach, Kelvin Kaindu heaved a huge sigh of relief as his side came from a goal down to shoot down Chapungu to change the tune of fans who had been calling for his head at the interval.
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League tie played at Luveve Stadium saw the gold miners get their first win of the season after losing two and drawing one.
How Mine fans showed their patience was wearing thin with their head coach as they sang songs calling for his ouster at half-time after the visitors took the lead through veteran Philip Marufu with three minutes to the break.
However, it was a different tune at the end of the match after two second half goals from Kudakwashe Musharu and Pasca Manhanga gave How Mine their first win of the season, with the supporters singing in jubilation.
The home side showed their intent to win the match when Chapungu goalkeeper, Roy Mazingi brought down Musharu in the first minute and referee Bekezela Makeka pointed to the spot but Milton Ncube did not give the ball enough power to give the Chapungu goalkeeper a chance to redeem himself.
How Mine dominated the better part of the match controlling the tempo but the goal proved elusive, instead it was Chapungu who drew first blood with Marufu converting a rebound after How Mine goalkeeper, Bernard Donovan had moved off his line leaving the goal open.
The gold miners laid siege on their opponents’ goal immediately after the interval but they could not find the back of the net. However, their efforts proved they were not in vain when Musharu made a solo run into the box and shot past Mazingi to level the scores in the 70th minute.
Five minutes later, Manhanga volleyed the ball into the back of the net to send the home side’s fans into song and dance as they smelt victory.
Musharu could have made it three in the 83rd minute but he was slow to the ball allowing Chapungu defenders a chance to block his shot when he was facing the airmen’s goalkeeper.
Kaindu said the win could be the tonic they needed to start picking up points.
He said despite struggling to score they have been playing well and creating chances in their previous matches.
“I am glad we managed the comeback in the second half, we showed character and determination, a sign that we are heading somewhere. The fact that we are creating chances is a sign that it’s only a matter of time before we score and with the way we are attacking I see us winning here by a huge margin one of these days,” said Kaindu.
Chapungu coach, Tendai Chikunhi felt his charges are not coming to the party and are making mistakes that have seen them pick only one point in four matches.
“I think both goals we conceded were give-away goals, it’s sad when seasoned players fail to play basic football. From day one we have been giving away goals. All the teams that are not doing very well are turning their tide on us. We need to get back to the drawing board and see how we can improve because at this level we cannot be playing this way,” he said.
Teams How Mine: B Donovan, P Tonha, K Chideu, N Ndlovu (T Banda 62 mins), M Sakala, M Mukumba, P Manhanga, K Musharu, M Ncube (G Nguwodzawo 54 mins), T January (T Ranthokoane, 69 mins) Chapungu: R Mazingi, C Mativeka, R Sibanda, C Kwaramba, B Mbavarira, L Genti (A Tavarwisa 81 mins), I Nyoni, N Murisa, N Papis (E Chitairo 71 mins), X Ncube (L Gwerina 65 mins)