How Mine . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Border Strikers . . . . . . 1 How Mine coach Kelvin Kaindu was scathing in his criticism of his senior players after the gold miners dropped points against basement side Border Strikers in a Castle Premiership encounter at Luveve Stadium yesterday afternoon.
BY SAKHELENI NXUMALO
The hosts had to come from behind to salvage a point after Border Strikers midfilder Kudzanai Kwashi’s goal after just 35 seconds had given the visitors an early lead.
Former Monomotapa and Triangle right back Praise Tonha levelled matters for How Mine on the stroke of halftime and they went on to spurn a chance to earn maximum points when Pasca Manhanga missed a hotly disputed penalty just before the hour mark.
In the reverse fixture two weeks ago, How Mine beat Border Strikers 2-0 away in Beitbridge and Kaindu believes that outcome led to his players becoming complacent. “I am disappointed with the attitude from most of the senior players after we had said in our team briefing that the only thing that we were playing against is complacency after we beat the same team 2-0 the last time,” he said.
“We thought it was going to be easy and that has been our downfall this season and I attribute our performance to the negative attitude of the senior players that we have as most of them are not putting up much effort on a consistent basis.”
In contrast, Border Strikers coach Never Malunga was full of praise for his charges’ tactical discipline.
“The single point is good for us and I want to give credit to my players for their tactical discipline,” Malunga said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
While his team were tactically disciplined and managed to pick up a point away from home, they were found wanting when it came to their conduct after referee Hardly Ndazi awarded How Mine a penalty on 54 minutes.
The referee awarded the spot kick after How Mine striker Kudakwashe Musharu fell down inside the penalty box under challenge from Border Strikers defender Godfrey Mukambi. A five-minute stoppage then ensued as Border Strikers players mobbed Ndazi, but their protests proved unnecessary as Manhanga ballooned his effort over the bar when play eventually resumed.
