Pirates collect maximum points
Chegutu Pirates FC –(1) 1
Green Fuels FC –(0) 0
Innocent Muchochomi in Turf Village, Mhondoro Ngezi
Russel Chifura’s solitary goal helped Chegutu Pirates secure a victory against Green Fuels at Baobab Stadium in a Premier Soccer League game on Sunday
After suffering two defeats and a draw in the early stages of the season, Pirates were desperate for a win.
Nicknamed Zaire Dzinza by their legion of fans, Pirates started the game with a clear intention to win and had an opportunity to score an early goal, but Tinotenda Ditima’s attempts went over the crossbar.
However, in the 33rd minute, Chifura managed to score a goal by directing a searching cross beyond the reach of Green Fuels goalie Nedrick Madeya.
Fuels had their chances but James Ngulube was denied access to the goal by Pirate’s Arnold Munkuli.
Towards the end of the first half, Pirates defender Rodwell “Chibheka” Mhlanga cleared a goal-bound shot from the line.
In the final half, Fuels piled pressure and their last-minute attempt was blocked by impressive Munkuli.
In a post-match interview, elated Pirates coach Emmanuel Day Gutu gave credit to the fans, executives, sponsors and stakeholders for their support.
“The win is a special tribute to the fans for cheering us from onset and the executive for the five-star treatment they gave the team before the match.”
Gutu added that they need to repay all that the executive has done and that he is now a relieved man.
“We were in search of a starting point and today we broke through.”
“I am hoping for a positive result in our next encounter,” said Gutu.
The match was graced by Mash West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Marian Chombo, Chegutu councillors and management