Bruce Chikuni
Black Rhino’s success in the Chibuku Super Cup has to be attributed to the club’s hitman, Lot Chiwunga.
Chauya Chipembere held their own to keep alive what appears to be an impossible dream when they knocked out one of the tournament’s favourites, Manica Diamonds, at Gibbo on Saturday.
The match was settled through a penalty shootout after it had ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Chiwunga put the army side in front but Ralph Kawondera’s late strike meant the winner would be confirmed through the penalty shootout lottery.
This was Chiwunga’s fourth goal in seven fixtures and he is now the club’s leading goalscorer.
And, for someone who was playing for a social football team, Diaspora FC, in the Harare Super League, this is huge.
Black Rhinos vice-chairman, Edward Mutukwa, is already reaping the rewards of head hunting Chiwunga to return and help the team in its hour of need.
Manica Diamonds coach, Jairos Tapera, conceded that Rhinos have improved.
“I usually don’t like to say much about opponents but the way I’m seeing it Black Rhinos have improved.
“I was impressed by the way they matched us and it shows they have what it takes to survive relegation.
“And, they also have a chance to do well in this competition but that all depends on their next opponents because in a cup game nothing is guaranteed,” said Tapera.
He added:
“I cannot blame any player, it just wasn’t our day but the boys played well and we really wanted to win this game.
“We will live to fight for another day, the focus is now on how strong we can finish in the title marathon.”
Chiwunga challenged his teammates to replicate their Chibuku Super Cup fine form in their mission to remain in the PSL next season.
They are rooted at the base of the pile after 18 fixtures.