Branton Matondo
MUTARE-It was long ride back home for Misheck Sibanda and his Renco Mine charges this past Saturday as they received a heavy defeat at the hands of Manica Diamonds Juniors.
Seasoned campaigners Renco Mine FC who showed little to no attacking prowess throughout the 90 minutes suffered a not so friendly defeat at Sakubva stadium to the youthful Manica Diamonds side.
The goals came courtesy of Joseph Kembo and Wesley Chitsumba who both netted twice.
Manica Diamonds Juniors gaffer Hibron Makukutu applauded the stellar performance by the boys.
“The game was nice and since it is our first game, l was really impressed. The youngsters really played according to instruction. The first goal started today’s campaign well but the boys went on to relax during second half but the changes we made really helped a lot,” he said.
Asked on where the boys got it right to clinch the convincing win Makukutu said ball retention was their major strength.
“I think on ball retention we were much better than them because if you have more possession, there is a high chance that you will win that game. In terms of controlling the game, we were as well much better,” he added.
However, Renco Mine head coach Misheck Banda said his charges lost control of the game around 15-20 minutes though it was initially well balanced.
“I think during the first minutes of the game, it was evenly balanced. We then lost control of the game 15 to 20 minutes from start when we allowed them to play down the wings. They ended up getting more crosses into the box and getting more chances to score in the process,” said Banda.
He also said that there was need to rectify their wing play as the seasoned campaigners prepare for their next outing.
“I think as we go on, we have to tighten up those areas so that we don’t allow crosses in the box. Another thing, we never created goal scoring chances because we were giving away a lot of possession. You have to keep possession first so that you build positive play,” added Banda.
Manica Diamonds Juniors play Fc Hunters in their next game while Renco Mine play JM Busha.
“I can say that our next opposition are new kids on the block. We don’t know much about them but hopefully we will maintain the winning vibe. It’s looking positive as we go into the next game because this win is a morale booster,” added Makukutu on prospects of the next match.
In other results Tenax won 2 nil against Ruwa Fc. Mutare City Rovers settled for a 1 nil win against Grayham at Sakubva Stadium. Buffaloes scored twice to win against 2023 new boys Bikita Minerals.
