HARARE, Apr. 7 (NewsDay Live) – Ronaldo Musharavati struck a hat-trick as Hunyani United hammered Juru 5-0 in a ZIFA Mashonaland East Division 2B clash at Robert Mugabe International Airport Stadium on Easter Monday.
Hunyani looked transformed from the side that drew 1-1 with Ruwa Community FC on Good Friday. Musharavati opened the scoring inside a minute, doubled the lead with a well-timed header on 35 minutes and completed his hat-trick five minutes later with a powerful left-foot strike.
Leading 3-0 at the break, Hunyani extended their advantage six minutes into the second half through Tafadzwa Mikiri before Blessing Ngaru sealed the rout on 67 minutes.
Musharavati, who now has four goals in three matches, received a standing ovation from travelling supporters when he was substituted late on.
Head coach Basil Makoni attributed the emphatic win to a tactical adjustment.
“We regrouped and changed combinations. We used two defensive midfielders and a striker ahead; against Ruwa we had one. When we lost the ball, the wingers tucked in and we defended with five across midfield,” he said.
“The system worked, and the players responded. Most of these boys are young and new to Division 2, so we are building discipline and mentality.”
Makoni also revealed he is converting Musharavati from defence to attack.
“He is naturally a defender, but we are developing him as a striker because of his power. We are taking it step by step.”
Musharavati said execution was key.
“The coach told us to start fast and stay compact. We did that, and the goals came.”
Man-of-the-match Kudakwashe Nhanhanga added: “We are hungry. Promotion is the target.”
After the Easter fixtures, Hunyani sit second on seven points, level with Mutoko United. Kufatichitonga FC lead the table with nine points, while Bethel Academy and Joyce Mine are tied on six.
Meanwhile, Hunyani Queens opened their Division 1 campaign with a 4-1 win over Mupambi Football Academy at Seke High School on Saturday.