JOHANNESBURG – The Zimbabwean contingent at Moroka Swallows has bowed out of the club hot on the heels of coach Ian Gorowa quitting and Edzai Kasinauyo getting transferred. Zimbabwe international striker Evans Gwekwerere has quit the Soweto giants and joined first division club FC AK Moroka Swallows.
“I had agreed to join Cosmos after training with them, but FC AK came up with a better offer and I could not turn it down,” he said. “I would like to thank Leon Prins at Swallows who issued my clearance without a problem.”
Injury and loss of form have curtailed Gwekwerere’s progress last season. After taking the Zimbabwe soccer by storm two seasons ago, Gwekwerere joined Swallows amid pomp and fanfare, but could not live up to expectations.
Luphahla promises fireworks in SA
JOHANNESBURG – Forgotten Zimbabwe winger Joel Luphahla, who recently recovered from a career threatening injury, says he will be back with a bang in the coming season.
“I am exhilarated to be playing football again. I still cannot believe I have recovered from that injury,” he said. “I cannot wait for the resumption of the season so that I can put my career back on track.”
Luphahla suffered one of South African football’s most horrific injury. A nasty collision with Jomo Cosmos goalkeeper, Abisai Shiningayamwe, left him nursing two fractures in his leg and his shin detached at the knee, raising fears that he would be able to play football again.
“I am satisfied with my performance during the off-season and, if I build on the performance against Supersport, I do not see anything hindering me from fighting my way into the starting line up. I have displayed what I am capable of doing to help the team,” he said.
CAPS lose 1-0
HARARE – CAPS United suffered yet another disappointing defeat at the hands of visiting Bulawayo soccer outfit, Njube Sundowns 1-0 in a CBZ Premier Soccer League match played at Rufaro Stadium on July 5.
A solitary strike from Ishmael Tayengwa in the 49th minute was enough to see the visitors collect three crucial points. Tayengwa capitalised on CAPS United defensive lapse before rifling home from close range. The solitary goal made all the difference for the visiting Bulawayo outfit.
Masvingo hold Monomotapa 2-2
HARARE – Youthful Masvingo United Football Club produced some scintillating performances when they held the much fancied Monomotapa 2-2 in a tightly contested CBZ premiership encounter at Dzivarasekwa Stadium on July 5.
Makai Kawashu and Edmore Chitato scored for Monomotapa. However, Asipo Haapo as Masvingo United are affectionately known, refused to be intimidated as they bombarded the Harare premiership in the second half.
It came as no surprise when Masvingo United leveled terms in the 53rd minute through Mkhululi Moyo before Milton Makapa pushed the visitors on the driving seat.
When it appeared certain that the Taurai Mangwiro coached boys were set for three points, Monomotapa equalized through Chitato in the 90 minute, saving former Warriors Captain, Norman Mapeza from embarrassment.
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Eastern Lions thrash Lengthens 3-2
MUTARE – Eastern Lions thrashed visiting Lengthens 3-2 in this action packed CBZ premiership encounter at Sakubva Stadium on July 6.
Five goals were scored. Eastern Lions settled first when Dananai Chinowawa grabbed a memorable hat-trick. The visitors were not intimidated as they hit back through double scorer, Tendai Nyamadzawo. But Nyamadzawo’s goals could not save Lengthens from defeat as the supercharged Eastern Lions maintained their slender lead until the 90 minutes of regulation time.
Dynamos championship under threat
HARARE – Defending champions, Dynamos Football Club, were held to a 1-1 draw by supercharged Motor Action in a thrilling CBZ Premier Soccer League match played at Rufaro Stadium on July 6.
DeMbare were trailing the Mighty Bulls 0-1 before vastly improved Edward Sadomba found an equaliser four minutes before regulation time.
The Mighty Bulls, as Motor Action are known, surged ahead in the 54th minute through dependable midfielder-cum-striker Clemence Matawu to silence the DeMbare fans.
Despite one of the strongest ever line-ups featuring former Masvingo United midfielder Wonder Sithole, Desmond Maringwa, Justice Majabvi, Sadomba and Thomas Sweswe, they failed to beat the averagely assembled Motor Action.
Motor Action boasted Masvingo United tough tackling defender, Moses Williams, and were unlucky not to end the match with three points.
Dynamos are pulling their act together in order to defend the league title that is being put under threat by both Monomotapa and Highlanders football clubs.
Ndlovu to end season at Division One in SA
JOHANNESBURG – Zimbabwe Warriors defender Bekithemba Ndlovu looks likely to end his career at first division club Mpumalanga Black Aces. The 32-year-old versatile defender has left Absa Premiership club Platinum Stars after the Rustenberg-based outfit did not renew his contract.
This followed a disastrous 2007/08 campaign by the club as it finished outside the top eight bracket of the 16-team league and crashed out of the MTN CAF Champions League.
Ndlovu spent the better part of the season on the sidelines and was dropped as Stars infamously crashed 6-1 to an Ian Gorowa-coached Moroka Swallows.
The Matobo-born defender was a regular under coach Owen da Gama as he won the inaugural Telkom Knockout. His fortunes changed when Argentine Miguel Gamondi took over the reins at the club.
SamaNdlo, as the former Highlanders star defender is known, has formerly played 13 games for Swallows.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News