Yadah edge Byo Chiefs

Bulawayo Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 1 WARRIORS midfielder Leroy Mavhunga made the difference as his first half strike helped visiting Yadah Stars collect three valuable points after downing Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve yesterday.

Mavhunga, who was a member of the Warriors side that won the COSAFA Cup in South Africa, scored the solitary goal from the penalty spot in the 28th minute after Andrew Tandi was penalised for hacking down veteran striker Ralph Matema inside the box.

The young midfielder exhibited composure to calmly slot the ball into the roof of the net.

Both sides were eager to start the second half of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League on a high and it was the visitors who emerged hungrier.

The victory was Yadah’s fifth of the season and it took their points’ tally to 21.

Chiefs wasted the game’s first real chance when Gracious Muleya missed a penalty in the 13th minute. His spot kick struck the upright after referee Hardly Ndazi had pointed to the spot for a handling offence inside the box against defender Willard Kalongonda.

Despite dominating the exchanges for the greater part of the game, Chiefs struggled to breach the solid Yadah defence. Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive was pleased with his side’s hard fought victory.

“I think this is a good way to start the second half of the season. This is

a very tricky part of the season where a number of teams are aiming to survive relegation. It is important for us to keep playing good football in our bid to survive relegation,” said Ruzive.

Ruzive’s Bulawayo Chiefs counterpart Garthly Chipuka was naturally disappointed with the result and unlike most of the coaches who used the mid-season break to recharge, he left the recess cost them their rhythm.