The Sunday News
Langton Nyakwenda in Kariba
ZPC Kariba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1
AFTER scoring the goal that gave Dynamos an undeserved point at Nyamhunga yesterday, Denver Mukamba fell just short of apologising for his much publicised wayward behaviour.
Mukamba earned DeMbare a valuable point, given that second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars had beaten Bulawayo City, when he scored the equaliser eight minutes after the impressive Never Tigere had put hosts ZPC Kariba ahead in the 26th minute.
Just like Tigere’s opener, Mukamba’s leveller was an exhibition of pure technique as he placed the ball beyond the reach of ZPC Kariba goalie Tendai Hove from close range. The draw left Dynamos on 57 points, one ahead of Ngezi Platinum Stars going into the last six rounds of a riveting 2017 Castle Lager Premier Soccer race.
“It’s good to be back in the starting line-up after a turbulent period that affected me a lot. I know people care about my talent and that is why they talk about me and I have come to realise that I should also begin to repay,” said Mukamba who got a good going sonny remark from coach Lloyd Mutasa after the match.
“When you are a big player, a former Soccer Star of the Year for that matter, you are always in the limelight and every move you make is monitored.
“But I must say my aim is to repay the faith that Father (Mutasa) continues to have in me. I know I have made some mistakes along the way but my coach still believes in me and I am happy that I have scored a goal that earned the team a valuable point.
“The thrust now is to continue working hard, step by step and see what happens at the end of the season,” Mukamba said.
DeMbare coach Mutasa admitted his charges drew to a well drilled ZPC Kariba.
“Such is football, we tried very much to get three points but we couldn’t. The good thing is we managed to recover but I must say it’s not easy to play against a Sunday Chidzambwa-coached side,” said Mutasa.
Chidzambwa, who was recently caught in a wave following a leaked audio in which he was recorded, criticising his team’s executive, sent on a well drilled side which was dangerous each time it got into the final third.
The veteran gaffer praised his charges after the match.
“The boys played well, if we can play like this every weekend then we can produce good results,” Chidzambwa said.
The match was not without its share of controversy as Dynamos goalkeepers coach Zondai Nyaungwa was sent to the stands for remonstration by referee Nomore Musundire in the 68th minute.
DeMbare felt they could have been awarded a penalty after substitute Jimmy Konono appeared to be held inside the box.
In the end, it ended in yet another stalemate at Nyamhunga and DeMbare remain winless at this venue since ZPC Kariba’s promotion in 2014.
Teams
ZPC Kariba: T Hove, B Zuberi, T Nyamandwe, S Appiah, M Kunyarimwe, N Tigere, T Munyanduri, T Chamboko (G Mangani 86), D Chakupe (B Nyamuzihwa 67), R Manuvire, F Zekumbawire (L Chikafa 75).
Dynamos: T Mateyaunga, P Makaha, R Matova, M Machazane, L Zvasiya, T Chipunza, O Mwerahari (J Konono 60), M Mambare (T Macheke 59), D Mukamba (Q Kangadze 84), C Epoupa, C Kapupurika
