The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
Bulawayo Chiefs …………………………………………..(0) 0
ZPC Hwange ………………………………………………..(0) 1
ZPC Hwange put aside chaos in their camp to lift the the Liquor Hub Wholesale John Landa Nkomo Top Eight Cup after beating Bulawayo Chiefs 1-0 in a lukewarm final played at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds yesterday.
There were doubts on whether the Hwange-based side would fulfil the final after its players had threatened to boycott in protest over unpaid salaries and winning bonuses. However, they put aside troubles in their camp to add more woes on their more illustrious opponents who lost the Championship on goal difference to Bantu Rovers on the last day two weeks ago. ZPC Hwange’s plan to defend from the onset and get their opponents on a counter attack worked. The visitors put more bodies at the back and relied on pumping the ball upfront to their attacking midfielder Morgan Nyoni and striker Tyson Muzamba.
Chiefs were the first to make their intentions to score felt in the 10th minute when veteran striker Kundishora Takanyuka laid a pass on the edge of the opposition’s box for on rushing Trevor Nkomo whose effort sailed over the bar.
Chiefs continued to dominate play with star midfielder Rainsome “R” Ravari initiating their attacks while striker Farau Matare’s powerful surge towards goal and turns were a constant menace to ZPC’s defence line which, however, managed to remain resolute with skipper Israel Mukahanana coming in with timely clearances from time to time.
ZPC never threatened Chiefs’ goal much as they chose to frustrate their opponents’ build ups. Chiefs started the second half on the offensive side and in the 61st minute Ravari’s screamer just outside the box against the run of play was acrobatically tipped over the bar by ZPC Hwange’s goalie and man of the match Harmony Nare. In the 69th minute Chiefs were back again when Matare’s attempt at goal was pushed out for a corner by the impressive Nare.
In the first half of extra-time former Dynamos player Tofirei Sambo who had replaced Delic Murimba towards the end of regulation time was shown a red card for head butting Chiefs defender Junior “Maphepha” Takavarasha. Sambo fouled Takavarasha who had managed to disposes him and made his way past him. The Chiefs defender rushed towards Sambo and the veteran midfielder responded by head butting him.
Just as everyone thought ZPC Hwange was out of it, defender Takavarasha turned from hero to villain when he was outpaced by Benjamin Chirimanzi whose cross into the box was missed by Muzamba but Nyoni ghosted in to score in the 104th minute.
For their efforts ZPC walked away with a $1 500 cheque while Chiefs got $800.
