BY KENNETH NYANGANI
MANICA DIAMONDS . . . . (3) 4
WHAWHA.. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . ..0
MANICA Diamonds striker Lloyd Katongomara hit a hat-trick against an out-of-sorts WhaWha in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match played at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare yesterday.
The former Buffaloes forward was on target on the 18th, 32nd and 52nd minute.
Former Dynamos attacker Tichaona Mabvura scored on the 45th minute to complete the rout.
Manica Diamonds coach Johannes Nhumwa, who was ecstatic after the win, said he was still worried about his side’s fitness levels.
“We are happy with the win. We came into the match needing a positive result and we managed to get it. We are hoping to mantain the momentum in the coming matches,” he said
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“But on the fitness level, we are not yet there, we still need to work hard,” he said
His counterpart, Luke “Jukulile” Petros said he was not happy with his side’s lack of depth.
“We made some blunders which cost us and our depth as a team is not good. Obviously, we need some new players and we have to wait for the window period,” he said
Manica Diamonds started on the front foot and were awarded a penalty in the first minute after the visitors’ defender Admiral Matope handled inside the box.
The visitors goalkeeper Alexander Useni, stopped Xolisani Moyo’s effort.
WhaWha had their first shot on target on the 12th minute through Nigel Jukulile, but goalkeeper Ashley Reyners was equal to the task.
Six minutes later, the hosts opened the floodgates through Katongomara, who took a pass from man-of-the match Pasca Manhanga to score from close range.
The visitors looked to be in a fighting mood and almost scored on the 25th minute, but Reyners saved Edmore Muzanenhamo’s shot on the near post.
Katongomara added to his side’s lead on the 32th minute through a header from a Manhanga cross. Five minutes later, Katongomara almost scored again, but Useni parried his shot for a corner kick.
Mabvura ensured that his side went to the breather with a bigger lead after rounding up Useni on the 45th minute.
Katongomara haunted the visitors again on the 52th minute after receiving a pass from Manhanga. The home side defended the lead.
Nhumwa substituted Katongomara on the 65th minute for Lucky Vundla.
The Gem Boys, as Manica Diamonds are affectionately known, have one of the best squads in the local Premiership this season.
- Follow Kenneth on Twitter @KennethNyangan1
