The ManicaPost
Manica Diamonds …………………… (0) 1
CAPS United ……………………..…….(0) 0
Ray Bande and Moffat Mungazi
SUPER substitute Michael Tapera rose from the bench to rescue Manica Diamonds again after scoring the all-important goal that handed the hosts maximum points to dismiss CAPS United 1-0 in in an entertaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Sakubva Stadium this afternoon.
The victory, their third on the bounce, catapulted the Gem Boys into sixth position with 10 points from seven matches.
Tapera’s introduction at half-time added attacking impetus to the Gem Boys’ frontline as he combined well with Charles Teguru and Fortune Binzi to cause the Green Machine rearguard headaches.
As the Gem Boys continued to press, Tapera pounced and slotted the ball home after the Green Machine goalkeeper Ashley Reyners made a mess of a back pass from captain Godknows Murwira.
Tapera was on target again when the diamond miners defeated visiting Chicken Inn a fortnight ago.
Goalscorer Michael Tapera (right) wheels away after scoring and is joined by teammate Fortune Binzi in the celebration. Picture: Tinai Nyadzayo
The victory underlines a marked revival for coach Jairos Tapera’s charges after enduring a sluggish start to the season which saw them hovering at the foot of the table.
Today’s win means Manica Diamonds have maintained their dominance over the Green Machine, beating them three times on the trot.
Coach Jairos Tapera believes his team has finally found its rhythm.
“I am happy with the result and how my players applied themselves in this match. We played very well and got the all-important goal which we managed to defend until the final whistle. I am particularly impressed with how we defended. My defenders had a good outing and it is only in our attack where we lacked precision. We could have won by a wider margin. I think we have now struck the right chord in this campaign and hope to build from this victory for a good season,” said Tapera.
The exciting encounter was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but only lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
CAPS United assistant coach Neson Matongorere, who was delegated to conduct post-match interviews by coach Lloyd Chitembwe, said the game was tightly contested and the two teams gave their all in search of victory.
“This was an exciting match of football. Both teams played well and showed the zeal to get maximum points. We both created scoring opportunities and in some moments CAPS United actually dominated play but somehow we could not get a goal. We will go back and make amends in areas that we did not perform well and build on the positives we noted from this encounter,” said the veteran tactician.
For a league that had been dogged by accusations of biased and inept match officiating, Chiredzi-based Jimmy Makwanda was a good ambassador for the refereeing fraternity with a blameless top notch performance that earned the admiration of neutrals.
TEAMS:
Manica Diamonds:
Godfrey Chitsumba; Lawrence Masibera; Farai Banda; Tawanda Chisi; Enock Karembo (Liberty Chakoroma, 82nd minute); Jabulani Thubelihle; Takunda Jefrey; Amidu Bret (Kudzanai Dhemere, 40 minutes); Gerald Bero (Micheal Tapera, 47 minutes); Tawanda Macheke (Charles Teguru, 47 minutes); Fortune Binzi:
CAPS United:
Ashley Reyners; Hastings Chapusha; Eric Manokore; Bruce Kangwa; Godknows Murwira; Devon Chafa; Ralph Kawondera (Mureremba Kingsley, 80th minute); Phineas Bhamusi (William Manondo, 80th minute); Wayne Makuva (Junior Bunjira, 62 minutes); Rodwell Chinyengetere; Lot Chiwunga.
