The Sunday News
Ray Bande in Mutare
Bikita Minerals 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs
FAILURE to deal with corner kicks nailed down visiting Bulawayo Chiefs at Sakubva Stadium as they fell to home team Bikita Minerals yesterday.
Coupled with coach Saul Chaminuka’s trademark passing game, Bikita Minerals were full value of the maximum points they collected against Bulawayo Chiefs.
The match started off with the Lithium Boys having the lion’s share of possession and creating more scoring opportunities.
Bikita Minerals were duly rewarded for their efforts when they grabbed the lead 13 minutes into the match after Allen Gahadzikwa connected Chris Makambira’s corner kick.
Bulawayo chiefs had a fine chance to restore parity in the 34th minute when Nkosilathi Ncube floated a beautiful cross into the box but well positioned Leeroy Ndlovu headed inches wide of target.
Instead, it was the Lithium Boys who had to extend their lead seven minutes later. Just like in their first goal, Evans Katema had the easy task on placing the ball home after getting to the end of a few exchanges in the box following exciting Makambira’s corner kick.
Bulawayo Chiefs impotence was well defined in the 65th minute when the team earned a set piece almost on the edge of the box but Godfrey Muchenje lacked precision as he directed his effort way off the target.
In the end Bulawayo Chiefs’ coach Thulani Sibanda bemoaned his team’s failure to deal with set pieces.
“We had a terrible first-half and that is where they actually dominated the game. We conceded two goals from corner kicks and it was all good to see how we are failing to deal with set pieces. We have succumbed to similar goals before. However, I was a bit happy with the way we applied ourselves in the second-half. We came back more determined but somehow we failed to convert,” said Sibanda.
His opposite number, Saul Chaminuka thanked his boys for a spirited performance.
“The three points are good for us after having lost two matches on the trot. This is something positive from my boys and I really want to thank them for the good performance. It will help us move forward with confidence and hopefully maintain the winning formula,” said Chaminuka.
Bikita Minerals:
Francis Tizayi; Blessing Kagudu; Prince Mlanzi; Carlton Munzabwa; Dennis Nhongo; Barnabas Mtuche; Allen Gahadzika (Praise Tonha, 70th minute); Bennedict Bera; Evans Katema (Russel Madamombe, 70th minute); Chris Makamba; Liberty Masveure:
Bulawayo Chiefs:
Prosper Matutu; Ciphas Musikavanhu (Miguel Fedman, 61st minute); Leroy Ndlovu (Blessing Mateback, 76th minute); Xolisani Moyo; Nkosilathi Ncube; Lucky Ndlela; Panashe Shoko; Malvin Sithole; Malvern Hativagoni; Godfrey Muchenje; Jameson Masaza:
