Chipangano bounce back
Hwange (0) 1
Indlovu Iyanyathela (0) 0
Victor Sibanda in Hwange
HWANGE FC gained promotion back into the Premier Soccer League after edging spirited army side , Indlovu Iyanyathela FC before a capacity crowd at the Colliery Stadium yesterday.
Hwange needed just a point to pip second placed arch-rivals ZPC Hwange who collected maximum points against Indosakusa. Hwange are now on an unassailable 85 points. Even if Hwange were to lose their last game against Emakhandeni Pirates next weekend, ZPC will end the season at 83 points if they win their remaining match.
The hosts made their intentions clear in the 14th minute when attacking right winger Shepherd Gadzikwa waltzed past two defenders before sending a blistering shot which was blocked by the visitors’ defender Desire Manyenga.
Hwange’s menacing striker, Chivasa misssed a number of chances that would have wrapped up the title earlier for the hosts.Indlovu Iyanyathela had their moments but were goal-shy.
Late in the second half, the ball somehow stayed out as Hwange hit the bar four times in quick succession with Chivasa, Gahadzikwa and Wonder Sibanda failing to convert.
In the 84 minutes, Sibanda reacted to a deft pass from the enterprising Canaan Nkomo in the box. His full volley towards goal was handled by a defender and the referee, Edith Masina had no option but to point to the spot. The penalty was hotly disputed by the army side before sanity prevailed. Upstepped Sibanda whose rising shot hit the roof of the nets, sending goalkeeper Bhekivuyo Dlamini the wrong way.
” We have won the championship and that was our objective. The boys played very well according to our instructions. We have qualified into the PSL. We do not intend to make up numbers in the PSL but to be real contenders,”said an ecstatic Hwange Coach, Try Ncube.
A contingent of Hwange FC Victoria Falls Supporters Club led by chairperson, Stanely Shoko, urged the authorities at Hwange Colliery to continue supporting the team and ensure that it avoids relegation.
