Pirates/Hwange switch positions

 

Hwange ———–(0)1

Pirates ————-(0)0

 

 By Innocent Muchochomi in Hwange

Hwange FC garnered maximum points courtesy of Mungameli Tshuma’s solitary strike when they played fellow relagation candidates Chegutu Pirates at the Colliery Stadium on Sunday

In this match, known as the “survival for relegation,” Pirates’ loss to Hwange caused them to drop to second from the bottom of the league table, switching positions with their opponents.

Hwange were knocked out of the Chibuku Super Cup tournament midweek in a game decided on penalties and came into this game having done their homework.

Hwange came into the game purposeful, exchanging passes and could have opened the score sheet in the first half but Pirates goalie Sydney Mozeka punched a powerfully packed Prichard Mpelele shot from close range over the crossbar

In the second half Tshuma rose from the bench and his clinical finish to a move that started from the back earned Hwange a deserved victory.

Pirates could have equalized in the final stages of the game but their inefficiency infront of goal costed.

The victory elated Hwange coach Rodwell Dhlaka as it raised hopes of evading relegation

“We are still in the relegation battle, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Dhlakama also thanked their supporters for boosting the boys’ spirits and credited his team for their resilience.

Pirates’ assistant coach, Godfrey Tamirepi, was not happy with the defeat.

“It’s a disappointing performance from our boys after we beat Hwange in the Chibuku Tournament. We came knowing who we were meeting, and we thought we had done our homework but it was never to be.”

Tamirepi, however, commended his team’s second-half play.

“We upped our game in the second half; unfortunately, Hwange defended for their lives and got the points,” said Tamirepi.”