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Paul Mundandi Zvishavane Sports Correspondent
Shabanie Mine 2-0 Hwange
JAIROS Tapera got off to a winning start as Shabanie Mine coach. He orchestrated the downfall of Hwange at Maglas Stadium yesterday.
Former How Mine defender Terrence Majo’s 38th minute strike and veteran defender Zvenyika Makonese’s 82nd minute header was all the hosts needed to move one place up the ladder.

Shabanie now occupy the 13th position with 26 points from 22 games after dislodging How Mine who has 24 points from 21 games.
The gold miners play host to ZPC Kariba this afternoon.

Gweru referee Thomas Massa who had a good afternoon awarded the hosts a freekick outside the Hwange area and the former Ndarama High School student took the responsibility.

Majo curled in a beauty with his left foot that sailed over Timothy Sibanda and shook the roof of the nets.
“I am excited and I dedicate the goal to my mother Ellen Maginya who turned 42 years today in Masvingo. I also urge my teammates to keep up the fighting spirit if ever we are going to survive relegation,” said Majo.

Shabanie needed the experience of veteran Chiweshe born Rowan Nenzou who tore the visitors’ midfield to shreds with his vision and had the crowd on their feet each time he had the ball.

He flighted a corner kick from the left in the 82nd minute that was sent by Hamilton Masumbuko back into the box and Makonese’s firm header went past a static Sibanda.

Shabanie were on fire from the first whistle.
“I thank God for guiding me.  The players did very well and the fans cheered the team from the first minute. I am 48 years old. I have played football and have been coaching for the past 25 years.

“I am a national team coach and I am surprised by people who say I am at Shabanie Mine to gain coaching experience when I have coached Chapungu, Black Rhinos, Tongogara, ZPC Hwange and many other teams,” he said.

It seems he won the hearts of Shabanie Mine fans and it was evident when he went to the northern stand housing the Chinda Boys fans to salute them. The crowd responded by chanting his name.

It was also a relief to Greg Mataka and his executive the man who brought Tapera to save the sinking ship. Hwange were dangerous each time Farai Vimisayi had the ball. The visitors were without Aleck Marime, Munyaradzi Mangadze, Rodwell Chinyengetere and David Boriwondo.