Sports Briefs

Peter Ndlovu loses out

PRETORIA – There was no place for legendary Zimbabwe international, Peter Ndlovu, in the new South African Football Players Union executive in Boksburg over the weekend. The Mamelodi Sundown’s star lost his position of vice president to veteran Free State stars player Duncan Lechesa. Ndlovu’s teammate Brian Baloyi also lost the presidency of the organization to Platinum Stars striker Simba Marumo.

Ndlovu was voted into office three years ago.

Meanwhile, Marumo said, “It is an honour to lead the players’ union. The guys have shown confidence in me and I appreciate it.”

Former Golden Arrows players Tshepo Ntsoane was elected second vice president.

Bobo Maseko is the new treasurer. The term of the new executive runs until 2011.  

Masvingo amass three points

MASVINGO – A week after premiership novices Gunners’ victory over former champions, Highlanders, the new boys suffered an emotional 1-2 defeat at the hands of Masvingo United, at Mucheke stadium, last Sunday.

The home team came in with a lead in the ninth minute through midfielder, Isaac Chapfuura’s conversion of a re-bound after the first attempt by former Motor Action anchorman, Njabulo Ncube, was punched back into play by an inspiring Gunners keeper, Lovemore Makwavarara.

Commendable efforts by Nathan Ziwini and Felix Kuswatuka six minutes into the second half gave the visitors an equalizer, to revive hopes of an away victory.  

But Masvingo United midfielder, Ovidy Karuru, came from behind to assure his side of the much needed three points late into the match, killing all the zest in Bigboy Mawiwi’s usually zestful charges.

Although Mawiwi, like any other coach, respect his opponents, he believed his charges gave out too much of it in the second half and let lose a point they could have recorded after holding Masvingo.

In the first half, we treated the hosts with too much respect,” said Mawiwi. “It was a story of two halves. In the second half, we did extremely well but we missed some chances.”

 

Warriors hold Guinea

HARARE – The warriors hold Guinea to a nil-all draw in their first encounter of the 2010 World Cup and African Cup of nations qualifiers, held in Conakry, Guinea, last Sunday.

Onismor Bhasera was dubbed man-of-the match after an outstanding performance.

Both the Warriors and Guinea are now second in the group as the brave Warriors of Namibia lead the pack. Namibia beat Kenya 2-1 in Windhoek, last Saturday, to leave the former on the bottom position.

National skipper Benjani Mwaruwari was impressed with the performance, telling reporters in Conakry, “It’s a great start given that we were away from home and it should give us confidence in our next matches.”

The Warriors face their brave namesake from Namibia at home in their next assignment set for June 6. They continue their hunt for a birth in the 2010 Word Cup and next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, in Angola.

Warriors line-up in Guinea: E.Murambadoro, D.Kutyauripo, O.Bhasera, Z.Makonese, J.Matola, E.Nyandoro, J.Ngwenya (T.Nengomasha 85th min), C.Chimedza, H.Shereni (C.Matawu 62nd min), G.Mushangazhike (T.Chinyama 62nd min), B.Mwaruwari

Monos outplay Highlanders

BULAWAYO – Highlanders suffered to a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Monomotapa in a CBZ Premier Soccer league match played at Barbourfields Stadium, last Sunday June 1.

Norman Mapeza’s charges saw their fifth successive victory in Bulawayo as the home side suffered another blow, a week after another humiliating 1-2 defeat, at the hands of new boys, Gunners. Bosso took an early lead through Cuthbert Malajila in the ninth minute as they went into the match without the services of first choice goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, who was on national duty in Conakry, Guinea. Gift Lunga was also off the field after, serving his suspension after a red card in their last controversial match against Gunners.  

Daniel Zokoto and Charles Chiutsa were the men who brought honor to the visiting side leaving Bosso battling for an equalizer the rest of the afternoon.

Highlanders head coach, Methembe Ndlovu said, “there are no excuses for the result, the buck stops with me and I have to take responsibility for the loss.”

Makonese to join Pirates

JOHANNESBURG – Santos’ controversial, tough-tackling Zimbabwean international defender, Zvenyika Makonese, looks set to join Orlando Pirates following disagreements over his contract. “Makonese will probably not be playing in Santos colours next season. Pirates are expected to make a move for the player,” sources said.

Fading Soweto giants pirates finished eighth on the sixteen team log after a string of disappointing results. Santo is part of a formidable defence that includes Kenyan captain Musa Otieno and Wayne Arendse.

 

Chapungu strike Lengthens

HARARE – Log-leaders Chapungu sailed to a 2-nil victory over Lengthens in a CBZ Premier Soccer League match played at Gweru’s Ascot Stadium, last Sunday (June 1). The home team was in the lead after a score from Captain Dumisani Mufudze in the 48th minute.

Edmore Sibanda simply directed the ball in the empty nets with Lengthen’s goalkeeper, Ephraim Mazarura, caught off guard.

Speaking after the match, Lengthen’s team manager, Richard Matoka, said his soldiers paid heavily for their mistakes.

“This was an evenly balanced match. It could have gone any way but two blunders made the difference for us but we do not lose hope but we will remain focused. We hope to win future matches.”

Kiglon hold Caps United

HARARE – CAPS United continued their fruitless hunt to impress stakeholders, under the guidance of new head coach, Jostein Mathuthu, in a CBZ Premier Soccer League match played against Kiglon at Gwanzura stadium, last Sunday 1 June. The former Motor Action mentor, Mathuthu, took over from Luke Masomere who resigned.

A 1-all draw at Gwanzura last Sunday was something Mathuthu’s charges could have avoided had they maintained an upper hand they had in the first half.

They took an early lead through Nyasha Mushekwi in the 21st minute who came face to face with Kiglon goalie, Itai Chiwara, to power the ball into the nets.

Just as if the Caps United players were going to escape with a victory after an upper hand during the first half, Kiglon skipper, Tawanda Nyamandwe came in with an equalizer in the 96th minute.

there was a last minute equalizer by in the 90th minute. Mushekwi powered a brilliant cross from the left flank and Chikafa’s shot hit the top of the bar, bouncing close to the line and back into play.

Mathuthu told The Zimbabwean “they wanted so much to defend the goal and forgot to advance forward. But for a star I think it was okay.”

The Green Machine face Lengthens in their next premiership match.