Nichrut boost survival hopes, Shabanie in trouble

NICHRUT edged Bulawayo City 1-0 yesterday, but alarm bells are now ringing at Shabanie Mine who were held to a goalless draw by Yadah Stars at Maglas.

Ephraim Mwinga’s first half penalty was all Nichrut needed for their full points.

The Bulawayo side arrived just 10 minutes before kick-off and the game had to be delayed by more than half an hour.

“We had a breakdown on our way here, but we communicated as soon as we had the problem, but unfortunately, we never had a chance for warm-up which might have affected the boys in the game,” said Bulawayo City coach Bekithemba Ndlovu.

“We lost to that penalty, but I think it was not supposed to have been given because it was the goalkeepers’ ball and I do not think it was a foul.”

It was a day when a number of home teams were given disputed penalties.

Nichrut gaffer, John Nyikadzino, said yesterday’s victory is a significant step in their quest of safeguarding their top-flight status at the end of the season.

“I am very happy with the result, but I must confess that it was a really difficult game for us.

“This result is very significant in our quest to survive relegation, remember we are all on life-support together with the likes of Bulawayo City so if we beat these teams, like what we did today, it is a sign that we are on track,” said Nyikadzino.

Shabanie Mine coach Alexio Sigion has started pressing panic buttons after his charges failed to collect full points against Yadah at home yesterday.

The result leaves the Chinda Boys 12 points adrift of a safety position with just nine games before the end of the current campaign.

“This was supposed to be a mustwin game for us, but we will take this point and push to start winning our upcoming games,’’ said Sigion.

“We hope to win these last games and at least make sure our supporters enjoy the games because this is what they pay their money for.”

Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive welcomed the point.

“We accept the result and take the point home and now it is time to focus to the next assignment,” said Ruzive.