Sports Briefs

HARARE – A solitary strike by Eddie Chitato was enough to hand log-leaders, Monomotapa, a victory over Gunners in Dzivarasekwa. The win consolidated Monos’ chances of clinching the CBZ Premiership title.
Gunners played well in the first half but failed in scoring goals. Chitato, who came in for the injured Daniel Zokoto, scored in the 61st minute. There was little to write home about before and after the solitary strike. The result left Gunners coach Moses Chunga a worried man.
“I am obviously disappointed with my players today. We need to work hard ahead of our next match against Caps United,” he said.
Monos coach, Norman Mapeza, was satisfied with the three points but not entirely satisfied by his charges.
“We did not exert ourselves well in the match. However, what matters most is that we got the three points,” Mapeza said. – CAJ News

Highlanders, Underhill draw
HARARE – Underhill held former champions, Highlanders, to a goalless draw at a boring soccer match played at Mucheke Stadium recently.
Underhill finished the match a man short after Arthur Mukulisa was red-carded for a second offence when, in the 65th minute, he stomped on Highlanders midfielder Stephen Alimenda.
Bosso could have taken the lead after nine minutes when Douglas Zimbago’s speculative effort narrowly missed the net. Simon Munawa was to join the list of misfiring players when he was denied by Washington Arubi in goals for Highlanders.
Acclaimed referee Kenny Marange denied the off-form visitors what appeared to be a clear penalty following a double handling offence by Vimbai Madamombe in the first half.
The teams gave little in the second half. – CAJ News
 
Ndlovu signs for Thanda Royal Zulu
PRETORIA – Former Warriors captain, Peter Ndlovu, produced some scintillating performances against Kaizer Chiefs when he featured for his new soccer outfit Thanda Zulu Royal Football Club in an ABSA premiership encounter played at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria on August 30.
Ndlovu, who cut ties with Mamelodi Sundowns last season, showed some brilliant touches against South Africa’s biggest club-Kaizer Chiefs, popularly known as Amakhosi.
Thanda Royal Zulu won the match 2-1, giving the Zimbabwean striker a flying start to the season.
Ndlovu’s new coach, Thabang Gumede, was upbeat, describing him as, “The big signing of the season.”
Other South African premiership teams interested in Ndlovu’s signature included Moroka Swallows, Platinum Stars and Bloemfontein Celtics. – CAJ News
 
Caps Utd. rout Motor Action
HARARE – A well-taken brace by diminutive striker Clive Mwale inspired Caps United to a 3-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Motor Action played at Motor Action Sports Club.
George Karimupfumbi curled a free kick for a beautiful goal in this eventful CBZ Premiership tie.
Former Dynamos stars Eddie Mashiri and Mwale combined well in the dying stages of the first half when Mashiri set Mwale up with a fine pass and the Zambian striker beat Marlon Jani with a clever chip. Mwale was back to haunt the Mighty Bulls in the 70th minute when he capitalized on some poor defending to place a low shot into goal.
Eight minutes before the final whistle, Karimupfumbi scored from a free kick to deal Motor Action a further blow.
“I’m happy that the boys showed they were serious and I believe we can continue with that form,” coach Jostein Mathuthu said.
There was trouble off the pitch when CAPS United fans brought down a wall to gain free entry into the game in protest of the $300 charged by the home side for the cheapest ticket. – CAJ News
TEAM     Played    Won    Drew    Lost    G/F    G/A    Points
1    Monomotapa    19    13    2    4    33    22    41
2    Njube Sundowns     20    11    2    7    32    23    35
3    Dynamos    17    8    7    2    21    14    31
4    Highlanders    19    7    9    3    26    12    30
5    Chapungu    19    8    5    6    25    17    29
6    Motor Action     20    8    3    9    22    27    27
7    Shooting Stars     19    7    5    7    21    18    26
8    Kiglon    19    6    8    5    21    20    26
9    Underhill    20    6    7    7    26    33    25
10    Lengthens    18    7    3    8    24    26    24
11    Eastern Lions     20    5    7    8    15    20    22
12    CAPS United     18    5    6    7    21    22    21
13    Gunners    20    5    6    9    25    30    21
14    Masvingo United     19    5    5    9    15    29    20
15    CAPS FC     19    4    7    8    20    24    19
16    Lancashire Steel     20    4    6    10    21    31    18