Caps United . . . . . . . .(3) 3
Hwange . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
WILLIAM Manondo scored a first half brace as Caps United rekindled the good old days after hammering a sobbing Hwange in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro Stadium yesterday.
Quick fire goals early in the contest, first from Manondo, who connected a Junior Bunjira cross at the back post and a Hastings Chapusha rising shot following a corner kick three minutes later, put the Green Machine on their way to a comfortable win.
Manondo put the Lloyd Chitembwe-coached side out of sight with a 41st minute headed goal, connecting a perfect Eric Manokore cross from the right as the Green Machine bounced back from their loss away to Highlanders last week.
Bottom placed Hwange were in shambles defensively in this one-sided contest in the first half, but still managed to cause a brief scare towards the break when Pritchard Mphelele forced a good save by Caps goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.
The first half lead allowed Caps United to play with a lot of freedom in the second stanza as they passed the ball around nicely with new boy Kingsley Mureremba, given his first start since he joined from relegated Cranborne Bullets, a joy to watch.
Manondo could have registered a hat trick early in the second half when he rose unmarked a few metres out, but his thumping header went straight into the hands of Hwange keeper Bhekimpilo Ncube.
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That proved to be the only meaningful chance in the uneventful second half.
The three points moved Caps United into seventh position with 13 points, six behind log leaders Highlanders after 10 rounds of matches.
The defeat was Hwange’s sixth of the season as the struggling side remained bottom of the standings with six points from a possible 30.
Their coach Nation Dube, who is under pressure after the horrible start to their season, admitted things are not well.
“We just failed to defend the crosses into the box and the opponent utilised their chances,” Dube said.
“We go back to the drawing board and see how we can improve on our defending because we are creating chance, but also failing to convert them. We are so porous at the back. I'm worried because if we can go six games without a win, as a coach you become worried.”
Chitembwe was happy with his team's response following the defeat to Highlanders last week.
“It was a good game, and we are happy. We scored more and did a very good job in terms of defending. But I think we need to do more, be more consistent.”
Commenting on Manondo's performance, he said: “His performance was good. It’s good for his confidence going forward.”
Teams
Caps United: T Mateyaunga, H Chapusha, E Manokore, B Kangwa, G Murwira, K Mureremba, W Manondo (J Bakari, 83'), J Bunjira (T Matindife, 78'), W Makuva (I Zambezi, 83'), R Chinyengetere (B Sarupinda, 83'), R Kawondera (C Sithole, 65').
Hwange: B Ncube, J Mumpande, K Shiyandindi, L Sibanda, S Moyo, P Mpelele, T Muvuti, S Sithole (T Shenje, 47'), S Gadzikwa (B Ngoma, 47'), S Muvirimi, P Mathe
