Mangwiro ends Chiweshe’s unbeaten league run

Chuchu was, until yesterday unbeaten in a league match by any team since taking over the managerial reigns at DeMbare from David Mandigora in April earlier this season. But, that feat came to an abrupt end as Monoz, under the guidance of caretaker coach Mangwiro, struck two priceless goals on either side of the half to dismiss the log leaders. Mangwiro was standing in for head coach Rodwell Dhlakama who was suspended by the team management last week over suspicions that he could have tried to influence the outcome of Monoz’ African Champions League match against Tunisia’s Eitoile Du Sahel in Sousse two weeks ago.

Mangwiro also barked instructions from the bench on Sunday when he led his charges to 2-1 triumph over fancied Heartland of Nigeria in their remaining African Champions League Group B match. The match was however merely of academic interest as the Zimbabwe champions had already crashed out of the tournament following the defeat to Eitoile Du Sahel.

Against Dynamos, it was Monomotapa who raced into the lead through a brilliant goal from former Kiglon striker Tawanda Nyamandwe in the fifth minute who turned and twisted his huge body with a remarkable piece of technique to bury the ball into the net. Dynamos, however, replied through Cuthbert Malajila who scored with a diving header. But Mangwiro’s charges restored their lead with Brian Mapfumo hitting the roof of the net to dent Dynamos’ title aspirations.

Dynamos remain on top of the league table with 47 points from 24 matches. They are a point adrift of second placed Gunners. “It is a great victory for the team. Playing against a big team like Dynamos is always difficult but we fought hard to beat them. It’s a great achievement for me as well to become the first coach to beat Chuchu in a league match since he took over as head coach at Dynamos.