Nichrut hit the ground running
Nichrut FC . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Mutare City. . . . . . . . . . 0 PREMIERSHIP new boys Nichrut made a perfect start to life in the elite division of Premier League soccer with a narrow victory over returnees Mutare City at Mandava yesterday.
Spencer Masunda scored the only goal of the match.
Nichrut controlled the opening stanza and deservedly too the lead when Masunda fired home a freekick in the 21st minute.
Mutare City were the better side in the second half but failed to make their dominance count. They came close 20 minutes before full time when Phineal Gumbo’s effort was cleared off the line by seasoned defender David Boriwondo.
The visitor’s coach Joseph Takaringofa was disappointed to leave Midlands empty-handed.
“We played well especially in the second half and could have gotten a goal but it is unfortunate we did not utilise our chances. We will work on improving especially on converting chances as we go. The guys played well though and we will rectify our mistakes,” said Takaringofa. Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino was elated to collect his Premiership points at the first time of asking. “The guys did very well and I am happy we managed to get maximum points as it will give us a lot of confidence going forward,” he said. “It is natural that towards the end of the game the one who is trailing improves his play to push for a goal and yes they were better towards the end but I am happy the guys managed to hold on. “It is going to be a difficult and long journey for us in our debut Premiership season but this start is quite encouraging. There are still areas we need to improve on but above all I am happy for the boys and everyone associated with the team.” Nichrut: T Jabangwe, B Gurure, S Masunda, D Boriwondo, E Mwinga, B Madanire, N Moyo, N Mpinduki, V Moyo( F Vimisayi 60’), S Sithole ( A Nhongo A, 90’), J Chivasa (A Kanchwachwa A, 82’) Mutare City: A Chiname, P Gumbo, K Njovo, J Chitawira, T Ndlovhu, J Takunda, K Bingala ( B Veremu 86’), T Kabanda (B Chinhoyi 57’), T Sadiki ( F Bhinzi , 61’), M Moyo, W Pakamisa
Byo City edge Chapungu
Bulawayo City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chapungu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 BULAWAYO CITY coach Darlington Dodo believes yesterday’s win against Chapungu at Luveve will boost his players’ confidence ahead of a gruelling 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Caps United’s offseason target Ishmael Wadi struck a brace for City, who survived relegation on the last day last season. “It’s a good start for us, it gives the players confidence. This win also boosts morale and shows we were doing the right things in the offseason,” said Dodo. Dodo, who presided over Tsholotsho’s relegation last season, assumed the reins at Bulawayo City early this year.