The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Sports Correspondent
MUTARE-BORN football stars turning out for different teams in South Africa’s DStv Premiership experienced mixed fortunes as action in the lucrative league entered Round Seven in matches played midweek.
Onismor Bhasera was the biggest winner as his team SuperSport United overpowered Willard Katsande’s Kaiser Chiefs 2-1 on Tuesday. The left-footed fullback lasted the entire match, while his midfield counterpart was an unused substitute. The victory ensured the Tshwane side remain in the top five and consigned the Soweto giants to fourth from bottom on the 16-team log standings. Other Zimbabwean players, Khama Billiat and Kuda Mahachi also featured in the match on opposite ends of the pitch, as did coach Kaitano Tembo.
Former Warriors shot stopper, George Chigova, like Katsande, followed action from the bench.
Bhasera described the victory as significant in their quest to keep within touching distance of the early pacesetters. Matsatsantsa sit five points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“It is important to win such games, especially against direct rivals who will also be gunning for the championship. We are happy to have won against Kaiser Chiefs although it was not an easy game. Continuing to win our games lifts out mood and brightens our chances of landing silverware. Our desire is to continue fighting and challenging for everything offer,” said the defender after seeing his old club bite the dust. Sakubva-bred seasoned goalminder, Washington Arubi saw Premiership newbies Tshakhuma TshaMadzivhandila(TTM) roar from behind to earn a precious point during Wednesday’s 1-1 stalemate away at Black Leopards in the Limpopo Derby.
Washington Arubi
This was the team’s third draw on the trot with a similar score line. The former Dynamos and Highlanders keeper was the captain on the day.
He, however, could not keep out the penalty kick although he had guessed and dived the correct way, but was beaten for pace and power.
TTM stay mid-table on eighth position as they continue to pull their weight in only their top-tier division debut campaign. Arubi is happy with the progress the club is making.
“We are gliding one step at a time. This is a journey where direction is more important than speed. The good thing is that we are finding the back of the net and if we stay that sharp in front of goal then we can always get something out of matches,” the 35-year-old told SportSport.
He added: “To keep shutouts is equally important, however. We have to prevent our opponents from breaching us if we are to go on and secure victorious outings. Good defence will certainly win us games and that eventually leads to picking titles. This all remains work in progress as we continue making strides.”
In the next round of fixtures, Bhasera is hoping to help SuperSport United maintain their winning run when they visit Baroka today (Friday).
Elsewhere, Katsande shall be itching to return to first team action and stem the Glamour Boys’ winless run of five matches as they host Bloemfontein Celtic tomorrow (Saturday).
