The Sunday News
Lovemore Kadzura in Rusape
Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)
Bulawayo City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)
IT was mission impossible for Bulawayo City who needed to win their last match against Black Rhinos by 10 goals and hope that Herentals defeat ZPC Kariba so that Amakhosi prolong their stay in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
It was not to be for Bulawayo City as ZPC Kariba won convincingly, 3-1 against the Students and the municipal side put up a lame effort to hold Black Rhinos to a goalless draw in a lunch time kickoff played at Vengere Stadium yesterday.
Bulawayo City
Bulawayo City join prison warders Whawha and Tenax as well as fellow municipal side Harare City in the relegation dust bin.
Amakhosi, who were already a “dead team” walking arrived at the venue just 40 minutes before kick off and the body language of players as they went through their hurried warm up confirmed that they had given up the fight.They were not alone in showing up late, match officials, the police and ambulance crew also arrived late and the match was delayed by 12 minutes.
It was a cagey affair in both halves as both sides didn’t create goal threatening chances. With luck City could have snatched a winner in the 78th minute when striker Nqobile Ndhlovu’s shot hit the cross bar after a melee in the box with a diving Blessing Mwandimutsira in goals for the soldiers beaten.
Stanford ‘Stix’ Mutizwa
Rhinos here and there played some fine passing game as they built their attacks from the back.
Stanford ‘Stix’ Mutizwa, the Rhinos coach also gave chances to youngsters including 15-year old Principe Magondo his premiership debut as a second half substitute.
Mutizwa was satisfied with the result despite missing on a top four finish.
“The boys played well although we didn’t win. Our opponents are a good side and they matched us well. We missed top four position and we have to prepare for next season. We gave a number of youngsters opportunity, they will form the team’s backborne next season.”
City coach Farai Tawachera was satisfied with the draw and said they are going to Division One knowing that some circumstances beyond their control contributed to their demise
“We played well especially in the second half. It’s unfortunate that we have been playing well. Some decisions (officiating) contributed and some referees banned but what about the points we lost? I love this team so much and we will be together in Division One where we are not going to stay,” declared Tawachera.
