DeMbare dismantle Buffaloes

Sport
Dynamos new coach David Mandigora made clear his intentions of winning a record fifth consecutive league title for the club.

Dynamos . . . (2)3 Buffaloes . . . (0)0

BY Munyaradzi Madzokere

Dynamos new coach David Mandigora made clear his intentions of winning a record fifth consecutive league title for the club after leading the defending champions to a comfortable 3-0 win over a nervous looking Buffaloes side at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

It was not a typically awe-striking performance by DeMbare but early goals by Simbarashe Nhivi as well as an own goal by Buffaloes defender Kudzai Mwaramba ensured the hosts took an imposing two-goal cushion to the break.

Another late goal by midfielder Walter Mukanga added some gloss on the score line as Dynamos kicked off a second consecutive season in triumph following a 1-0 win away to How Mine last year.

The Mutare-based side on the other hand, failed yet again to get a victory on the first day of the season since they returned to PSL four years ago.

In his post-match interview, the Glamour Boys gaffer was however not pleased with his team’s performance.

“I am happy about the result but definitely not happy about the performance. We were lucky we scored two early goals and it made my players a bit complacent, they relaxed after the two goals.

“Our target is to win as many games as we can this season. Every game is important, so we have forgotten about this match and already thinking about the Chapungu game which we have to prepare for,” Mandigora said.

Dynamos, who were quick off the blocks, grabbed the opener in the 10th minute when Buffaloes defender Godknows Murwira’s attempted cross into his own box and Nhivi took advantage of uncertain defending by the visitors to fire into the roof of the net.

Mandigora’s men were spurred on by the opener and continued to besiege the opposition area, but the final pass deserted them more often than not.

Soon the second goal was to come.

The defending champions won a corner kick following one of Murwira’s raids into the Buffaloes area. Ocean Mushure’s in swinging corner kick touched Oscar Machapa and came off Mwaramba past a bemused Blessing Mwandimutsira in goals for Buffaloes.

Buffaloes endured missed passes, ill-timed back passes and slack marking and failed to fashion a single shot on target in the first half.

Dynamos continued where they left off but their forwards took turns to fluff the chances that came their way.

Roy Mwenga finally tested Artwell Mukandi who endured much of the game as a spectator in the 54th minute after some enterprising exchanges from the midfield with substitute Phillip Tembani, but shot straight at the goalkeeper.

With only eight minutes left on the clock, Nhivi found himself with acres of space on the left wing. He skipped past his marker and sent a low cross which Mukanga squeezed under the body of Mwandimutsira at the near post, sealing an emphatic win for DeMbare.

Buffaloes assistant coach Joseph Takaringofa felt his side gave too much respect to Dynamos.

“We gave them too much respect such that we ended up conceding silly goals. Dynamos never really worked for all the goals they scored so I am extremely disappointed with the way my team played.

“This is our first game and we are targeting top four and I think it’s achievable” he said.

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