The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
Tsholotsho ……………………………. (0) 3
Hwange ……………………………………. 0
TSHOLOTSHO FC coach Lizwe Sweswe was a relieved man yesterday as his side collected their first full set of points in eight games when they turned on the heat in the second half to beat Hwange in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Luveve Stadium. A brace from Mostafa Ponyera and a goal from Blessing Sibanda provided relief for Iziqholo whose poor run had set them on the path of relegation. The win saw Tsholotsho breaking into song and dance, something they had long forgotten to do.
Sweswe was glad his charges finally scored saying it has been their Achilles heel as he felt they were playing well but the goals were elusive. The win saw Tsholotsho, who had been placed second from bottom, leapfrog debutants Mutare City Rovers as they now have 11 points from 14 games.
Sweswe said he is hoping the win will inspire his side to recover from their poor form and notch up more victories an anti-dote of easing relegation worries. Knives were already out for Sweswe as some felt the side needed a new coach to take them forward, although financial problems have also been blamed for their poor run.
More had been expected from Hwange after they beat title contenders FC Platinum 2-1 on Wednesday at the Colliery but they did not come to the party and although they showed intent in the first half the coal miners came back a subdued side from the break, allowing Tsholotsho to ride rough shod over them.
Chipangano’s coach Mebelo Njekwa blamed the financial problems their sponsor Hwange Colliery Company was experiencing saying it had a negative impact on the players’ mentality as they had gone for months without being paid. He also said they were complacent and seemed to be suffering from a hangover following their win against FC Platinum.
The first half was a balanced affair as both teams sought the opener but it was Hwange who had more possession but they could not turn it into scoring opportunities.
Sweswe seems to have dished out all the motivation to his charges during the interval and they came back a renewed lot finding the breakthrough barely six minutes from the re-start when Ponyera’s header deceived Future Sibanda, who was in between the posts for Hwange.
A counter attack in the 73rd minute saw Ponyera get the ball on the left flank and his rising shot caught Sibanda by surprise for his second of the afternoon.
Three minutes later captain William Stima, who gave a man of the match performance, made a quick run before shaking off two Hwange defenders just on the edge of the box before setting up Blessing Sibanda who managed to slide it in despite the challenge from the opposition defence sending their fans into delirium.
“We have been playing well but we have been unfortunate as we could not score. I hope this win will inspire us to more victories ahead and I am confident we can survive relegation,” said an elated Sweswe.
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