Chiefs, Diamonds in four goal thriller

26 Nov, 2023 - 00:11 0 Views
Chiefs, Diamonds in four goal thriller ITS A GOAL . . .Bulawayo Chief’s Billy Vheremu (out of picture) nodded home the first goal against Manica Diamonds during the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Luveve Stadium yesterday

Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Reporter

Bulawayo Chiefs FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Manica Diamonds FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

THE rush for goal and the need to finish the season on a high was what characterised the Castle Lager Premiership match pitting Bulawayo Chiefs and Manica Diamonds at Luveve Stadium yesterday.

Both teams’ coaches admitted it was a tough encounter, although they put on smiles at the end. For the Bulawayo Chiefs’ coach Johanisi Nhumwa, it was a fight that they lost through a mistake by his players.

“It’s over. We played very well, but I am not happy of the mistake we did in the last minute, when we should have wrapped up the game,” said Nhumwa.

The coach spoke well of their opponents, saying they really gave them a run until the finish.

“I want to thank these guys, they played good football.”

Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera said it was a tricky encounter but was elated to have got a point away in Bulawayo.

“Getting an equaliser was very important for us. It was a difficult game as we ended up chasing the action every time. We stretched ourselves to equalise. I am happy for the team,” he said.

Tapera thanked their supporters and management, whom he said were the backbone of the team’s success.

“I thank the supporters and management. They have been very supportive. It has been a hectic year for us, having to travel not less than 750km every time we play but we managed. The executive has been behind this project for a long time. Since we started last year, they have been giving us a lot of support. Our chairman was always there in all the games.”

Tapera hinted that next season they will consider strengthening their squad.

“We need to strengthen our squad in departments where we had difficulties. We also need to work on the players’ mindset,” he said.

First to have his name on the scoresheet was Billy Veremu in the 18th minute for the hosts. In the 41st minute Mthokozisi Msebe was unlucky as he scored an own goal and got the visitors back in the game. Msebe was to pay back the debt in the 65th minute to give Amakhosi Amahle the much needed lead.

As the game was about to end, Bulawayo Chiefs defence line was found wanting and Manica Diamonds capitalised on the slip in concentration. Michael Tapera scored for the Gem Boys to level matters again.

Manica Diamonds finished the Castle Lager Premiership campaign in second position with 58 points while Bulawayo Chiefs are at number 13 with 40 points.

Teams:

Bulawayo Chiefs : T Chinoviringa, P Shoko, R Muduviwa, F Moyo, M Hativagone, D Phiri, M Gasela, M Msebe, O Chirinda, F

Matare (M Fieldsman 68th minute), B Veremu

Manica Diamonds: G Chitsumba, L Masibhera, F Banda, Y Chisi, K Gwao, T Mavhunga, B Amidu (R Kawondera 87th minute), T Chamboko (D Teguru 63rd minute), M Tapera, P Mtasa (P Manhanga 37th minute), F Binzi (B Chikwenya 84th minute).

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