Derby Delight as Hurricanes FC Edge Past Father Flower in Thrilling derby showdown

By Prichard Mujaja

In a nerve-wracking Ingezi derby held at the Ingezi grounds, Hurricanes FC edged past arch-rivals Father Flower 1-0 to notch a crucial victory in the Mashonaland West Division 2B league. In a contest brimming with passion, local flavour and dramatic swings, it was Hurricanes who held their nerve to walk aways with the three priceless points.

It was interesting to see how much the rivalry between Ingezi Hurricanes FC and Father Flower has grown over time. This was a derby with different flavour as fans from both sides flocked in large numbers to create a vibrant, high-volatage atmosphere. Both sets of fans clearly felt there was still unfinished business between the two teams.

The derby had all ingredients of a blockbuster. The match carried a unique emotional intensity as there was no need for the teams to be taught about the meaning of the derby. The passion was palpable and the determination from both camps was evident till the final whistle.

Ingezi Hurricanes FC got their lead before the break in the 40th minute when Abel Chapasuka delivered a masterclass corner which netted into the top angle of the goalpost. He could have added another before halftime but it was Father Flower goalkeeper, Justice who denied him after punching his volley over the bar.

In an interview with the media crew after the game, Ingezi Hurricanes FC head coach, coach Tatenda Magaya said they were ready for the derby and they were delighted that their team attained best results.

“We were very prepared despite the fact that we were coming from a draw. We were really in need of this game and we are proud that we managed to bounce back to our winning streak. We corrected our errors and face the opponent ready enough”, he said.

One Ingezi Hurricanes FC fan, Simbarashe Chungu said their major goal was to win and to collect the maximum points.

“A game has got three results win, draw and lose so we were expecting any of the above but our major goal was to collect maximum points so as to reach our division 1 goal”, he said

Father Flower supporter Prosper Manzini applauded both camps for creating an atmosphere of peace as derbies came with violence.

” It was disheartening to lose the derby but I applauded both camps for creating an atmosphere of peace throughout the match as these derbies come with violence but as the losing team we accepted the defeat and congratulated the winner. Being from the same city it means we are brothers despite the fact that we are competing for the same League.

With this morale-boosting victory, Ingezi Hurricanes FC brought their league campaign back on track maintaining their 3rd position with 33 points, only two points behind the log leaders.