Ray Bande in MUTARE
Manica Diamonds ……………………………………(0) 1
Bikita Minerals…………………………………………..0
MANICA Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera says his men are dealing with immense pressure to keep alive their winning run which has seen them fly to the top of the table in the Castle Lager Premier League race.
The impressive Micheal Tapera struck in the 66th minute for his fifth goal in as many matches as the Gem Boys won for the seventh straight time.
“We have been on a winning streak and that makes each match more challenging given that every opponent that we now face ups the tempo.
“Nonetheless, that is the nature of the game.
“It comes with pressure with each outing and we just have to compete. I believe so far so good, we have been competing favourably and we hope to continue collecting maximum points as we go.”
He added:
“I am happy with the way we have been defending in all these matches we have won. We have kept a clean sheet and that is commendable.
“On the transition to attack, we have also been impressive and that explains the rhythm in our play.
“It is flowing very well and we will work towards maintaining that.”
Bikita Minerals coach, Saul Chaminuka, was an angry man after the final whistle.
The veteran gaffer, who is widely believed to be on his way to Green Fuel this week, was not happy with the match officiating.
“There is no way we can develop as a nation in this game with this kind of match officiating. Surely, my players being kicked, even in off-the-ball situations, but the referee waves play on.
“It is unfortunate that we coaches, when we complain about referees, we are crucified, so I will not comment about this match.”
It was a pulsating encounter that had all the the ingredients of a derby.
Teams
Manica Diamonds
Godfrey Chitsumba, Lawrence Masibera, Farai Banda, Tawanda Chisi, Thubelihle Jabulani, Jefrey Takunda, Garikai Dematsika, Enoch Karembo, Panashe Mutasa (Micheal Tapera, 46th min), Gerald Bero (Charles Teguru, 46th min); Fortune Binzi
Bikita Minerals
Francis Tizai (Victor Machopa, 46th min), Prince Mlanzi, Blessing Kagudu, Munzabwa Carlton, Nhongo Dennis, Barnabas Mtuche, Allen Gahadzikwa (Praise Tonha, 46th min); Bennedict Bera Kudakwashe Sibanda, Evans Katema (Russel Madamombe, (65th min); Chris Makamba, Enock Moyo (Tawanda Mlenga, 65th min):