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Ngqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
Bantu Rovers 1-0 Black Rhinos
A 50th minute goal from a free kick by Tapiwa Kumbuyani gave Bantu Rovers their first set of maximum points in 14 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches yesterday. Rovers’ last win was the 7-2 drubbing of Premiership new boys Yadah Stars in May.

Rovers’ win worsened Black Rhinos’ miserable start to the second half of the season, having flattered in the first half of the season during which they were among the top three teams on the league table.

Although yesterday’s duel at Luveve Stadium was evenly balanced, Rovers put some urgency into their approach in the second half and attacked the Rhinos goal.

It was from one of these attacks that the home side won a free kick about 25m from Rhinos goal five minutes after the resumption of the second half.

Kumbuyani took responsibility and struck a hard and low shot that caught Rhinos goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo flatfooted.

Action then swung from one end to the other with Rovers seeking to cement their lead while Rhinos searched for an equaliser.

Milton Kureva missed a chance to level the scores after struggling to control a pass from Lincoln Samaraya inside the box, when all he had to do was slot it into the net.

Rovers’ Marvin Sibanda was next in line to miss when he skied his effort in a face-to-face situation with Rusawo.

It was Rhinos’ fourth loss on the trot, a worrying result for coach Stix Mutizwa who blamed lapses in his rearguard for their losses.

“The pillar of the team was our defence in the first half of the season, but now it seems we are leaking. We just have to correct those mistakes and ensure we do not give away free kicks in dangerous areas,” said Mutizwa.

“We are worried as a technical team and we have to work even harder to regain from.”

Rovers’ manager Agent Sawu welcomed the win, saying they had been failing to win despite playing well.

“Today we didn’t play so well, but managed to get maximum points, which is good. It was too windy and we were forced to play for possession, but as you are aware, we are a ball playing team,” said Sawu.

Teams

Bantu Rovers: W Muuya, D Ndlovu, K Dzingwe, N Garayi (M Chitambwe 56th min) L Ncube, T Kumbuyani (R Masuku 68th min), P Zivengwa, G Bharibhari, M Sibanda, M Dube, N Papias (M Ncube 81st min)

Black Rhinos: H Rusawo, F Banda, B Homora, B Chandisaita, S Linyama, C Chigudu, C Chitsamba, M Mine, M Kureva (Y Salima 76th min), B Marere (L Saramaya 58th min), L Chiwunga. — @rasmthembo