The Sunday News
HOW MINE coach Luke Masomere at last heaved a huge sigh of relief yesterday as he watched his lads clobber a hapless Whawha with Timothy January justifying his inclusion in the starting line up with a double brace in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Barbourfields Stadium.
January, making his maiden 2015 league appearance was simply in terrific form, and at his clinical best in front of goal. His industry on the day was duly rewarded when he scored a brace either side of the half with the veteran Limited Chikafa adding two more to give How Mine a big lift.
How Mine, hitherto, had only a technical win at home following the abandonment of their match against Caps United, after Makepekepe failed to pitch up at Luveve Stadium.
January was a happy man saying he was eager to get more goals for Chikurupati.
“I have been working hard at training and I am glad my efforts bore fruit today. I am happy I blended in well and I promise fans more goals as the season progresses,”said January.
How Mine started the match at a blistering pace, denying the visitors the breathing space, creating five chances within the first five minutes as they showed their intention to take off the pressure that had been building up at their expensively assembled side.
Kudakwashe Musharu, Heritien Masuku, Wonder Sithole, and January all took turns to miss before the latter scored from a Tapiwa Kumbuyani delivery.
Chikafa was next on the scoresheet in the 17th minute when he collect a loose ball and ran to the left before directing his effort to the far post leaving Whawha goalkeeper, Philip Nhete a bemused spectator.
Then 15 minutes later January ran with the ball on the right flank before releasing a rising shot just inside the penalty area to beat Nhete.
Chikafa made it 4-0 in the 35th minute when he was spotted by an alert Musharu from the left flank.
The home side maintained the fast pace in the second half and 13 minutes later, January had his hat-trick after connecting a pass from Musharu, which was, however, blocked by Nhete but the quick thinking midfielder caught the rebounder forcing it past the hapless keeper to make it 5-0.
Musharu made a run on the right flank in the 70th minute but had his shot blocked and the ball fell onto January’s feet and he obligingly slotted it into an empty net.
Masomere said the win was a good morale booster adding that congesting the midfield paid dividends for his side.
Whawha coach, Lloyd Mutasa said hi side failed to come to the party, and the two early goals unsettled his boys.
Teams
How Mine: B Donovan, T Kumbuyani, M Gutu, M Mupera, N tachi, N Mukumbi, W Sithole (T Masuku, 41st minute), H Masuku, K Musharu, L Chikafa (C Sibanda, 78th minute), T January (M Sibanda, 78th minute)
Whawha: P Nhete, B Chidzero, G Madamombe (C Kapupurika, 46th minute), J Konono, B Chikwekwete, L Genti (A Matewu, 73rd minute), K Saunyama, O Lungu, N Bude, R Useni (C Masocha, 58th minute)
