Clive Thabo Dube
Sports Reporter
THIS season Bulawayo Chiefs were set off sail turbulently in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, but the Ninjas have attained smooth sailing as the waters have calmed down.
The Ninjas’ slowly but surely’ rebuild exercise seems likely to be 100% complete as the team continue to leapfrog their way up the PSL table. Lizwe Sweswe’s side is certain to stay clear of the relegation zone.
The Bulawayo based outfit delivered yet another masterful performance to crush the spirits of Yadah FC at Luveve Stadium this past weekend. The 2-1 win helped Bulawayo Chiefs to climb up the PSL ladder and maintain the newly found good form.
The hosts dominated the early stages of the game and took an early lead in the 31st minute through Farau Matare who pounced on sloppy Yadah defending to put Bulawayo Chiefs in-front with an easy finish.
The attacking duo of Billy Verume and Matare proved deadly infront of goal. Usually Obriel ‘Mr 13’ Chirinda is the goal machine for Chiefs but for now anyone can score in this team.
“Its all about maintaining and of late the boys have been doing very well. Last game we brought in confidence. The morale came knowing that they can do it and I’m happy that they are coming up in terms of operations systems. Off course a coach will never be satisfied but so far so good the boys are working very hard and I’m happy for them. This win will take us somewhere.” said Sweswe.
In a dramatic twist of events, in just 6 minutes from the opener, the Ninjas lost ball possession after a missed free- kicked. The bizarre mistake was costly and it was enough to spark back life to the visiting side in the 37th minute to get themselves an equalizer before the teams headed for the interval.
As the two teams returned from their respective changing rooms, the attacking potential of Bulawayo Chiefs Midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe, was once more on full display as he continued his prolific form.
Speaking to the media after the match, Lizwe Sweswe branded Msebe’s performance so far as “rare talent”.
“Rare talent…its very rare to find a number ten in Africa, we see the likes of Mane. Those are the likes of number 10s we look for. Very talented, very key in our system of play. We just limit him in terms of defending. We want him to go 60-70% offensive. He is doing that and he is that player who knows where to be, and what to do.” Said the Ninjas gaffer.
The Chibuku Super Cup Champions manager reflected on his teams performance as not good enough, the back-line is still shaky. After taking the lead, the players relax and lose focus on the pitch, opponent’s capitalize on that to pull one back.
“Every-time we concede a goal it will be in transition. I think when we are attacking we lack depth which is something we can go and correct.” He said.
Billy Veremu provided the icing on the cake to seal the afternoon for the hosts through a close-range header (61mins). Msebe provided yet another assist.
The new manager at the throne of Amakhosi Amahle had relatively little time in the pre- season to sharpen the Ninjas at Chiefs Village. Now with two back to back victories in the bag, Amakhosi Amahle seem to have found their winning formula under the tactical Sweswe. If they continue this form, the newly assembled Ninjas will be invincible in the not so far future.
Maruwa Survives Pressure Game
One of the fiercest derby galore in the country between CAPS United and Dynamos lived up to its billing at the National Sports Stadium.
The under fire DeMbare coach Hebert Maruwa started a youthful squad in his pressure match, lucky enough for him the gamble paid off.
Going into the first half, the Harare giants had taken the lead through goals from Donald Mudadi and Jayden Bakare. The two goals where enough to see Dynamos walk out as victors to end the winless streak and leave Maruwa to fight another day.
The Glamour Boys are now positioned fourth, while the Green Machine lost its grip at the top and fell on position three with 14 points.
Bosso finally at the top
Highlanders FC have finally climbed up the PSL ladder to become log leaders. The 1:0 victory over Hwange saw Amahlolanyama take command of the topfligt league. Washington Navaya scored the solitary goal in the dying minutes of the game.