The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
ZPC Kariba………………………………… (1) 2
Whawha…………………………………….. (0) 1
SUNDAY Chidzambwa finally recorded his first win since returning to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League two months ago when his ZPC Kariba posted a crucial victory over relegation haunted Whawha at Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday. Veteran forward Limited Chikafa thrust the hosts into the lead after 15 minutes before ZPC Kariba’s leading scorer Raphael Manuvire wrapped up the proceedings early in the second half. Whawha replied through Roy Useni.
It was ZPC Kariba’s first win at Nyamhunga after six attempts and Chidzambwa’s first in eight matches.
The former Dynamos and Warriors coach took over in June and his first game in charge was a 1-0 loss against Triangle at Gibbo stadium on 28 June.
He followed that up with a 1-0 shocking home loss to Tsholotsho before the two teams settled for a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture.
Triangle piled more misery on Chidzambwa with a 2-1 victory at Nyamhunga on 25 July before DeMbare inflicted more pain with a similar score line at Rufaro in the following match.
The veteran gaffer could still not grind a win at Nyamhunga as How Mine came and snatched a point two weeks ago before the electricians laboured to a 0-0 away to FC Platinum.
But yesterday Mhofu finally got it right and the country’s most successful coach was over the moon.
“We worked hard for this win,” he said. We knew it was coming because we had improved a lot. We have broken the jinx, I am very happy, the fans are elated and this is good for the people of Kariba.
“There is a bright future at this club, yes, things were not moving in the right direction but as we all know in football there are bad patches.
“People talk, and some were talking of relegation but we will work very hard to pick up points in the remaining matches,” said Chidzambwa.
Prior to yesterday’s sweet victory, Kauya Katuruturu had gone for 10 matches without tasting a win and alarm bells were already ringing in the resort town of Kariba.
They are now on 21 points, three clear of the relegation zone occupied by Flame Lily, Buffaloes, Tsholotsho, Whawha and Dongo Sawmill.
“My players did well in Zvishavane last weekend against FC Platinum, even in the home draw against How Mine when we missed a glut of chances, so I knew this (victory) was coming.
“The win will go a long way in motivating the boys, they now believe and we are looking forward to more victories at home,” said Chidzambwa.
ZPC Kariba make the journey to Bulawayo for a date with log leaders Chicken Inn in their next assignment before they host Harare City. — Harare Bureau
