Yadah rise from the dead

Yadah Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) 2 Bulawayo Chiefs . . . . . . . . (2) 2 YADAH STARS battled from two goals down to snatch a draw in a thrilling Castle Lager Premier Soccer League opener at Rufaro yesterday.

The home side found themselves 2-0 down inside four first half minutes as Moses Majika and Perfect Chikwende scored for Bulawayo Chiefs.

Majika struck from range in the 32nd minute before Chikwende capitalised on poor defending to double Bulawayo Chiefs’ lead four minutes later.

However, veteran striker Ralph Matema gave Yadah hope when he pulled one back three minutes before half-time after being set up by Leroy Mavunga.

Byron Madzokere then secured a draw for Yadah late in the second half, converting from the penalty spot.

Chiefs coach Gathly Chipuka, who only had three substitutes on the bench, was content with the point despite watching his team blow a seemingly healthy lead.

“This is our first game in the league so we didn’t know what we were going to face. Basically we came here to play football the way we know how to play it,” he said.

“I am happy with the result and how the boys played, I can’t take away anything from them. Most of them are still young but they showed that they can really compete at such a level. Our goal is to enjoy football and God willing to survive relegation.”

But Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive lashed out at the PSL for what he called a chaotic player registration system.

“I was forced to change my team just 30 minutes before kickoff because there was a mix up in the player registration process. I could not field Cliff Sekete due to that mix-up.

“Coming to the game, I am happy with the result because we started preparing for the season late. This is a point gained and we hope to build on it going forward,” he said. Teams Yadah Stars: S Mafukidze, A Makopa, J Chitereki, B Madzokere, J Dzingai, B Mapfumo, D Savanhu, M Chiwara, R Matema, L Mavunga (M Makopa), M Musiyakuvi (L Murape)

Bulawayo Chiefs: K Nyoni, A Tshuma, S Nyahwa, P Moyo, L Sithole, T Muzuva, G Muleya, P Chikwende, A Musiyiwa (F Matare), K Chakanyuka (M Mkolo), M Majika