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Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter 

CAPS Utd 0-1 Bikita Minerals

CHRIS Makambira is a virtually unknown name in Zimbabwean football circles. But the Bikita Minerals forward yesterday stole the hearts of the domestic football fans with a man-of-the-match show befitting the big stage as the newboys spoilt the day for their highly fancied opponents in a game to mark the long-awaited return of football to Harare’s Rufaro Stadium.

CAPS  United were buzzing before the match with the re-opening of Rufaro and a win could have made the afternoon special.

But it was Makambira who drew all the limelight to himself as the Lithium Boys grabbed their first-ever win in the topflight league.

The 28-year-old was all over the Green Machine with fearless play and good pace on the wings and it was only befitting he  was rewarded with the only goal of the match in the 28th minute.

His coach Saul Chaminuka was full of praises for the forward and predicted a bright outing in their debut topflight season 

“That boy is talented,” said Chaminuka.

“He has the speed and is technically  good. I think he still hasn’t discovered himself yet but he will as the season goes. 

“I hope  he plays the whole season without an injury and if he does that boy could be our paymaster at Bikita Minerals.” 

It was also a day that CAPS United, who were hoping for a grand return to Rufaro, must have rued a glut of missed scoring opportunities.

Veteran  striker William Manondo was twice denied by the woodwork in the second half and had another fine header spectacularly saved by veteran goalkeeper Francis Tizai.

Makepekepe also had the ball cleared from the line as Phineas Bamusi and Ralph Kawondera were denied  the equaliser in a goalmouth melee.

Both teams showed intent from the onset with Bikita Minerals, who also had  veterans Allen Gahadzikwa and Russel Madamombe, winning most of the midfield battles. 

Gahadzikwa in particular defied the tag associated with age as he, at 37 years, pulled the strings with aplomb in midfield.

CAPS United had appeals for a handball inside the penalty box turned down by the referee Mercy Maimbo after 15 minutes.

But Bikita Minerals took the lead after 28 minutes after Makambira was released on the left flank and beat his markers on pace before slotting the ball behind goalkeeper Ashley Reyners.

But soon afterwards Bikita Minerals twice scrambled the ball out as they absorbed the pressure and kept the scores unchanged.

They even thought they had doubled their lead in the 43rd minute after Denis Nhongo had headed from a freekick that was contentiously awarded just outside the box following a challenge by Godknows Murwira on Benedict Bera.

But their celebrations were cut short after the far side assistant  had her flag up for offside.

Makepekepe made a change at the break, bringing in Lot Chiwunga. The veteran forward showed some urgency earlier on before fizzling out. 

He combined well with Manondo when he delivered a low cross into the box which Manondo crashed on the upright post.

Makepekepe have now lost two games in three outings while Bikita Minerals are now on four points following a 1-1 draw with Yadah in their first game last weekend.

Meanwhile Manica Diamonds and Chegutu Pirates played a goalless draw at Sakubva Stadium.

Teams:

CAPS Utd: Ashley Reyners, Innocent Zambezi, Eric Manokore, Hastings Chapusha, Godknows Murwira, Devon Chafa (L. Chiwunga 46th minute), Ralph Kawondera, Phineas Bamusi (C. Sithole 90th minute), Wayne Makuva (I. Nyoni 61st minute), William Manondo, Rodwell Chinyengetere 

Bikita Minerals: Francis Tizai, Blessing Kagudu, Prince Milanzi, Carlton Manzabwa (G. Timoti 83rd minute), Dennis Nhongo, Barnabas Mtuche, Allen Gahadzikwa (M. Mambare 67th minute) Benedict Bera, Russell Madamombe (D. Mutimuzunze 56th minute), Chris Makambira, Evans Katema (W. Ncube 83rd minute).