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HOSTS Masvingo United could only settle for a share of spoils after being held by former champions Monomotapa in their opening Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Mucheke yesterday.
Masvingo who were playing in the Eastern Region Division One for the past three seasons displayed entertaining soccer at one point only to fizzle out when it mattered most.
They even forced 12 corner kicks but still failed to place the ball into the nets.
Despite failing to collect maximum points their coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere was still satisfied with the draw.
After a cautious first 30 minutes former Zimbabwe youth international Johnson Zimbabe exchanged passes with his captain Pevington Zimunya and raced towards goal but with Monoz goalkeeper Tapiwa Mafunga advancing from his line, Zimbabe directed his effort into the skies.
Zimbabe sent another effort begging four minutes later.
Man of the match Blessing Mazorodze dribbled past two Monomotapa defenders and sent an inch perfect pass to Zimbabe but the striker once again directed his effort wide.
Mazorodze and Hardlife Muvundi were a joy to watch in the first half.
Monomotapa came back a rejuvenated side and in the 47th minute Tendai Samanja failed to beat goalkeeper Francis Tizayi when he broke loose and instead of firing a shot he chose to lob the ball over the bar much to the relief of Masvingo fans.
Second half substitute Ronald Chitiyo denied his side maximum points when he broke loose in the second half came face to face with Masvingo goalkeeper Tizayi but hesitated to shoot allowing the alert goalminder to collect the ball from his feet in the 70th minute.
Makai “Jecha” Kawashu, who had a good game nearly decided the match in the visitors favour when he caught Masvingo defenders at sea right at the death, charged and let go a stinger that saw Tizayi parrying the ball back into play.
Monoz looked to have the second bite of the cherry when the ball fell onto the path of Ronald Chitiyo but the striker saw his effort cleared from the line by Mazorodze.
After the match Masomere was happy with the performance.
“We only trained for four days after a month. I am happy with the result it was a good performance,” Masomere said.
Monoz coach Taurai Mangwiro was also happy with the result and reckoned that Masvingo could do well this season.
“We did well for a start. We started slowly in the first half and took control in the second half. They gave us a good game and they are doing very well” he said
Teams:
Masvingo: F Tizayi, B Mazoredze, P Sinamai, P Chandisaita, V Sinamai, T Jaricha, H Muvundi, E Dzumbunu (T Mapara 65th minute), P Zimunya, I Chapura.
Monomotapa: T Mafunga, O Mwerahari, H Mugoniwa (M Moyo 87th minute), F Mangezi (B Katsaruware 46th minute), T Munyanduri, T Samanja, K Machona, T Ngulube, J Mutambiranwa (R Chitiyo 60th), M Kawashu, O Mukuradare.