The League Title Is Ours: Tutani
Simba Bhora coach Arthur 'Tuts' Tutani is unfazed by his team's failure to get maximum points in the last two matches, declaring that the league title is theirs to lose after Saturday's goalless draw away to Black Mambas at Morris Sports Club.
With three points behind log leaders Herentals and a game in hand, Simba Bhora went into the match needing to rise from the defeat to Chegutu Pirates in their previous game but found Black Mambas equally determined to win the match having also lost to Golden Eagles in their previous match.
" It was a tough game because Black Mambas are a good side and we were really determined to win this match but they were also equal to the task. They also wanted a win so it became tough for both sides. But it was an entertaining match," said Tutani.
" A draw is still a good result for us although we wanted a win. We created a lot of chances that we should have converted. We are going to win this league come end of the season, that I can assure you. We are a big brand so we are going to show why we are the big boys. We now go back to the drawing board and plan for the next match."
The Shamva based side were the first out of the blocks getting a clear chance three minutes into the match when Tinashe Balakasi broke loose on the right and found Ishmael Nyanhi inside the boxer and instead of shooting, Nyanhi chose to return the ball to Balakasi but his intention was well read by Mambas defence. Former CAPS United midfielder Ronald 'Rooney' Chitiyo came close with a spectacular bicycle kick off a Dexter Phiri corner kick but his effort narrowly missed target.
Mambas however had the clearest chance when Ashford Nyamajiwa went on a run on the left before releasing a shot that came off the cross bar after deflecting on diving Simba Bhora goalkeeper Simba Chinani. Chinani was called into action once again as he was forced to tip out for a corner a rebound from the initial strike by Nyamajiwa. The script remained the same in the second half with both sides getting similar good scoring opportunities but failed in the final third.
Black Mambas assistant coach Innocent Nyoni bemoaned his team's failure to convert chances.
" We had some chances to win this match but scoring is becoming our biggest challenge. But I can't really fault the players, we will come right because this is work in progress. We are working on that and like we have always said, we are building a team to win the title next season," Nyoni.
In the other match involving title aspirants, Golden Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Trojan Stars at Trojan stadium. Trevor 'Tutu' Bhunu gave Golden Eagles the lead just 10 minutes into the match before 19 year old Tawanda Vambe equalised for Trojan Stars, eight minutes before halftime.
Fourth placed Chegutu Pirates moved to within six points behind third on the log Golden Eagles after a 1-0 win over Ngezi Platinum Stars U19. Edmore Tsoro came off the bench to score the goal seventeen minutes to full time .
Karoi United ended PAM FC's mini revival with a 2-1 win while Takudzwa Masiya gave Chinhoyi Stars a 1-0 win over Harare City Cubs.
CUMA Academy got the better of Cam & Motor in a Kadoma derby winning the match 1-0. Commando Bullets remained on fifth position after a goalless draw against Golden Valley.
Source: ZIMSPORTS CONNECT 93
