Manica Diamonds, Chegutu Pirates share points

Manica Diamonds —-(0)0

Chegutu Pirates ——-(0)0

 

By Innocent Muchochomi in Mutare

Chegutu Pirates’ assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi praised his team for securing a point in their goalless draw against Manica Diamonds in a Premier Soccer League match at Sakubva Stadium.

Both teams were aiming for a victory after having suffered two defeats in the early stage of the PSL season.

Although Pirates played an attacking game from the beginning, they were unable to score despite their passionate supporters cheering them on.

In the first half, Pirates were denied a clear penalty when Tinotenda Ditima was hacked down in the box.

In the second half, Manica Diamonds were more offensive, but Pirates’ solid defense prevented them from scoring.

Manica almost scored in the late stages of the game, but Charles Teguru’s shot hit the upright post, and ageing Kudakwashe Mahachi diverted a searching shot from target in added time.

The game was marred by questionable officiating, and Pirates’ head coach, Emmanuel “Ras Day” Gutu, was sent off for protesting against the decisions of the second assistant female line referee, Claris Simango.

In a post-match interview, Gutu’s assistant, Tamirepi, expressed his delight with the team’s performance.

“It was a good point for us away from home, considering we have actually lost two games in succession by a similar 1-nil, and playing against Manica, one of the respected teams which finished in the second position last season.”

“They are a very good side. We tried our level best, and I am happy with the boys considering who we were playing with.”

Manica’s head coach Jairos Tapera believes they have now recaptured their form.

“I think in terms of play, we have greatly improved.”

” We were solid in defense. We were moving around in the midfield and we created chances that we think we could have scored.”

“A point is very important, looking at where we are coming from, that is, the two defeats we conceded.”

” With the commitment that I see with the team today, I think we are in the right direction,” said Tapera.