By Tatiana Mhararira
FC Wangu Mazodze proved to be a reviving team after it broke the Pacific Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) log leaders FC Hunters’ winning streak after the two teams shared spoils in 1 all draw in the home of football Mucheke Stadium on May 17.
FC Hunters nicknamed Clever Boys had recorded 6 wins in 6 games and FC Wangu Mazodze proved to be the team’s greatest rival on match day 7.
The first goal of the match was scored by FC Hunters’ Forward Makambanga in the 56th minute from a free kick passing by Tonderai Simango the goalkeeper.
12 minutes after Makambanga’s goal, Takudzwa Nyamama rescued the home team, FC Wangu Mazodze with an equalizing goal.
Speaking to TellZim News FC Wangu Mazodze Spokesperson, Blessing Kwesha said the draw against the log leaders showed the team was in its regaining stage although the boys failed to make use of chances they got.
“The team is now reviving and it’s now gelling at a good time. Everything went as per our game plan, unfortunately we failed to capitalize on our chances. We dominated the first half but we were not clinical in front of the goal,” said Kwesha.
He went on to say the team was preparing for an encounter with long time rivalry Tenax FC but said they were ready to get maximum points.
“Our last challenging game in the first round is our game against Tenax FC. It is a challenging team but we treat each game as it comes. Every game is a final. We are anticipating nothing besides 3 points,” said Kwesha.
On his part, former FC Wangu Mazodze and current FC Hunters coach, John Nyikadzino told TellZim News that every match was a learning game and he commended the Clever Boys for their play.
“Every match is a new challenge. The environment was toxic but we were lucky to get a point. I applaud the boys they showed good character at the away stadium,” said Nyikadzino.
Nyikadzino said in their next match they were concerned about many injuries their players had and after traveling a long distance to and from Masvingo.
“We are obviously worried about fatigue we travelled for a long distance the previous weekend and unfortunately our next game won’t be as good as it must be since we have a number of our players who are injured. We are trying to manage the situation and collect maximum points, “said Nyikadzino.
Nyikadzino guided Wangu Mazodze to a second place finish last season narrowly missing out on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) championship to Triangle United FC on goal difference.
Last season FC Hunters finished on fourth position with 58 points and Nyikadzino said he was determined to bounce back despite his previous draw and was ready to lead his new team to victory this season.
FC Hunters lead with 19 points, a point ahead of Tenax FC with 18 points who have played one game less followed by Buffaloes FC with 16 points and Masvingo United with 13 points.
The Clever Boys have the most potent attack with a +19 goal difference.
The bottom three teams are Great Zimbabwe University FC, Chivhu FC and Manica Diamonds U19 all with 2 points.
