Fredrick Moyo
Masvingo United FC and Wangu Mazodze FC played to an exciting goalless local derby draw at Mucheke Stadium on May 8 2022, but the former lost ground on the log standings with fellow title contenders Greenfuel and Mutare City Rovers maintaining their grip after winning their games respectively.
Both teams failed to find the back of the net till normal time and the result left third-placed Una Una seven points behind leaders Greenfuel FC, who defeated a struggling youthful side Manica Diamonds Juniors 1 nil to take their points tally to 35 while Mutare are on 33 while Una Una have 28.
The result dealt a heavy blow to the former premiership Masvingo side Una Una whose ambitions for promotion into the top flight league seemed to be on track before a spell of poor results following three games without collecting a full set of points managing two draws and a defeat.
However, Masvingo looked a bit organized than their counterparts in a game that had all facets of a derby, played with tension, emotions though exercising caution as they sought to collect maximum points.
Coaches from both sides expressed their concerns over the stalemate.
Takura Shariwa applauded his teams’ performance as they showed commitment while fans shunned away violence.
“My team played very well and according to instructions, it was a marvel performance. They showed commitment and their execution as well as fighting spirit was top class. However, we bemoan the two points that we lost because we needed to ascend to a better position on the log. Masvingo had a better share of the posession but they played the ball where we wanted them to play and it worked in our favour. I salute the boys and give them credit.
“We need to appreciate the support from the fans. They cheered us till the fulltime whistle and the fact that both fans stayed out of violence shows football is a family thing,” said Shariwa.
Faustino ‘Heydays’ Mugeji said he rues his side’s missed chances which could have given his side three points.
“We have managed to get a point away from home, but we are still mourning missed chances. We have to improve on composure and be clinical in front of goal. The boys did quite well, but they must know that the two points we lost are crucial. However, we are going back to the drawing board and work on our previous mistakes so that we win our next encounter,” said Mugeji.
In other matches Mutare City Rovers defeated Zaka Academy FC 1 nil away from home, Buffalos FC defeated Grayham FC 1 nil, Ruwa Progroup won 3 nil without kicking a ball after their opponents Lowveld United failed to pitch up for the match, while Chiredzi Stars FC drew 1 apiece with Pro Melfort FC and JM Busha 54 FC and Renco Mine FC played to a goalless draw.