Hector Chifamba
PACIFIC Storm Eastern Region Soccer League side, Buffaloes, coach Kennedy Kachara has expressed his confidence in his team’s ability to clinch the championship after a narrow 1-0 win over FC Wangu Mazodze in a week 18 encounter played at Vengere in Rusape on Saturday.
The win took Watungwa-Watungwa to 36 points, five behind log leaders FC Hunters, and a point within Tenax.
Terence Marikano’s 31st-minute goal made the difference, and Buffaloes head coach Kennedy Kachara believes this win is a morale booster ahead of their next encounter against Rusitu Tigers.
”We are very confident because the boys are playing well, they are playing good football, and we are scoring goals,”
”So, we are very confident with the boys that we are going to clinch the championship. This win is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. We knew it wouldn’t be an easy game, but the boys showed great character and determination.”
The match itself was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
Marikano’s strike calmed the nerves down for Watungwa-Watungwa but trouble at the back was always a stone’s throw away.
Buffaloes goalkeeper Takudzwa Chaipa made a howler on the stroke of halftime that nearly cost his team, but Kudakwashe Muchapararwa’s alertness salvaged the situation.
The hosts dominated the first half, with Marikano’s goal giving them a deserved lead.
In the second half, Mazodze surged forward, looking for the equalizer.
They created several chances, but Buffaloes defense held firm, with Muchapararwa’s defensive heroics playing a key role in securing the win.
Despite missing several opportunities, Mazodze’s interim coach Emion Maganga acknowledged that it wasn’t their day.
”We tried hard, but it was not our day,” Maganga said.
“We created a lot of chances, but the boys failed to capitalize. We could have utilised them, but as I said, today was not our day. We take it as part of the game and move on.”
With less than 15 games left in the season, Kachara’s confidence is not unfounded, given his impressive track record of winning the promotion race twice with Mutare City Rovers Football Club.
The experienced coach knows what it takes to succeed in the league, and his team is determined to make a strong push for the title.
The atmosphere was electric with performances from entertainers Jah Master and Nisha Ts keeping fans on their toes.
The stadium, complete with the Pacific Storm branding, was the perfect setting for this thrilling encounter, and the fans were treated to a classic.
