Simba Bhora held in first Wadzanai match

By Henry Mhara | Mar. 17, 2024

Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya whose side beat Manica Diamond 3-1 away in their league opener last week, expressed disappointment his side could not give the home fans a winning start to their new stadium.

Simba Bhora . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

GreenFuel . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

GreenFuel proved unpopular guests at the revamped Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva as Donald Ngoma's 75th minute equalizer spoiled a homecoming party for Simba Bhora.

Captain Walter Musona converted from the penalty spot to give the home side a deserved lead after a defender was adjudged to have handled inside the box.

But a Ngoma tap in goal from close range, connecting a cross from the exciting Tinotenda Meke, was the absolute least a rocking Wadzanai deserved.

Despite the draw, one thing is certain, not many teams will enjoy coming to the new look stadium, which was rocking during its first league game.

"I'm a bit disappointed that we couldn't replicate how we played last week. In the first half we were just casual. We played into the hands of GreenFuel. They were delaying play in the first half and we were not urgent enough. Psychologically, we were relaxed. We were not ourselves. I'm disappointed we couldn't get maximum points before our crowd. The atmosphere was electric, the people here in Mashonaland Central are very passionate about their football, about the team," Ndiraya said.

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GreenFuel coach Rodwell Dhlakama was full of praise for his side for collecting a point on the road, following their 2-1 win over Bulawayo Chiefs in the opening match at home last week.

He said his team showed character to play the way they did in front of the packed stadium.

"It was a tough game given the human resources that the two teams have. We had a decent first half, and in the second half we improved in terms of transition. They got a soft penalty but we managed to respond. I give credit to the players for the resilience, it was not easy," he said.

League football was at Wadzanai for the first time after redevelopment works saw Ndiraya's men completing their debut season last year away from home, playing their home matches initially in Harare and later Mhondoro Ngezi.

The stadium was deafening prior to proceedings - and thousands more supporters were still outside when the match kicked off - and the home players responded on the pitch.

League football was at Wadzanai for the first time after redevelopment works saw Ndiraya's men completing their debut season last year away from Shamva, playing all their home matches initially in Harare and later in Mhondoro Ngezi.

The venue was defeaning prior to proceedings - and thousands more supporters were still outside the stadium when the match kicked off - and the home players responded on the pitch.

Musona's effort direct from a corner kick was cleared off the line in the opening minutes before he fired wide moments later.

This appeared to rattle Dhlakama's men who struggled to keep hold of the ball during the opening minutes.

The contest then drifted off course, with some chaotic play characterized by regular stop starts for the remainder of the first half.

Early in the second half, the referee presented the hosts with a golden opportunity to take the lead when he pointed to the spot after a defender appeared to handle the ball inside the box.

Musona made full use of the chance when he sent the goalkeeper Nedrick Madeya the wrong way to give his side a breakthrough, a goal that was greeted with a wild roar from the supporters who included Simba Bhora president Simba Ndoro and his business associate Brighton Ushendibaba.

The Warriors man could have added to the team's advantage with two more chances, but his efforts could not beat Madeya who made two reaction saves to keep out the shots.

GreenFuel battled hard and were rewarded when a 60th minute substitute Ngoma, scored 15 minutes after his introduction to ruin Simba Bhora's homecoming party.

Teams

Simba Bhora: T Mvula, W Tafa, P Jaure, M Mkolo, B Moyo, J Makunike (V Kawe, 85'), G Saunyama, B Veremu (I Nyanhi, 63'), W Musona, M Msebe (W Mensah, 85'), T Machope

GreenFuel: N Madeya, B Chikwenya, R Uchena, M Diro, R Chinemo, L Muyambo (A Silla, 85'), A Chivandire (M Gasela, 92'), C Dhuwa (T Mutyambizi, 60', B Mtigo (D Ngoma, 60'), T Meke, J Ngulube (C Rupiya, 85')