The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
Tsholotsho FC ………………………………………..… (1) 2
Chapungu FC ………………………………………..…. (1) 1
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League relegation candidates, Tsholotsho FC gave themselves a flicker of hope when they earned three points after beating Chapungu at Luveve Stadium yesterday afternoon.
While the victory was a welcome relief for Iziqholo zeZhwane, Mutare City Rovers’ 3-0 win over Border Strikers means the points difference between the two sides remains the same at two while Border Strikers have been relegated.
Tsholotsho have a tough task ahead of them as they have to navigate through two championship contenders, Highlanders and FC Platinum, matches they have to win if they are entertaining any hopes of playing in the top flight next year.
Tsholotsho, second from bottom with 23 points, have to win all their three matches with expectations that Mutare City slip up in the three remaining games.
Iziqholo showed character and the zeal to remain in the top flight as they came from a goal down to win against the Gweru-based side.
Maxwell Mavuto shot the airmen into the lead in the 15th minute after being setup by Patrick Kumbula as Chapungu threatened to overrun the home side as they had the upper hand in the first half.
However, Tsholotsho showed they are more than eager to remain in the PSL as nine minutes later they levelled the scores when Bruno Madanhire headed the ball past Stephen Mazingi, who was in between the posts for Chapungu.
Tsholotsho came back the more determined side in the second half and dominated possessions as substitutes, Mostafa Ponyera and Denford Chirwa tilted the game in their favour.
Iziqholo found the winner in the 74th minute when Trust Nyabinde sent the ball into the box and found an unmarked Roderick Mufudza who headed into the near post sending the handful of Tsholotsho fans into a frenzy.
Chirwa could have made it three in added time but his rising shot hit the crossbar and went back into play.
Tsholotsho coach, Lizwe Sweswe was pleased with the win saying they have everything to play for in their remaining games adding that he is not worried about facing title chasing Highlanders and FC Platinum. He praised his charges for the win saying they showed good character by coming from behind to seal the three points.
“The pressure would be on Highlanders and FC Platinum because they are the ones chasing the title and I believe this could play in our favour when we face them,” he said.
Chapungu coach, John Nyikadzino blamed his charges for relaxing and allowing Tsholotsho to win the game.
He said after scoring their goal, his players thought they had wrapped it up but Tsholotsho showed more hunger for the three points and ended up snatching the victory.
Tsholotsho also have to face Bulawayo City in their last three matches while Mutare City will play Ngezi Platinum, Harare City and Dynamos.
Chapungu, fourth from bottom also find themselves in an unenviable position after yesterday’s loss and they have to face title chasing Caps United, FC Platinum and Hwange in their last three games.
Teams
Tsholotsho: C Mariyoni, N Siwela, N Moyo, T Nyabinde, G Magariro (S Dube 46 mins), Z Moyo, B Madanhire, X Ndlovu (D Chirwa, 65 mins), R Mufudza, M Phiri, N Gama (M Ponyera 58 mins)
Chapungu: S Mazingi, J Mabugu, J Mukombwe, W Ngonya, B Zabula, C Kwaramba, G Phiri, M Mavuto (X Ncube 70 mins), S Maengani (A Peperere, 73 mins), P Kumbula (A Tavarwisa, 80 mins), P Marufu
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