ASHER MOYO
SPORTS REPORTER
RUSAPE-The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services side Tenax FC dismissed visiting Hunters FC 2-1 on Saturday in a match played at Vengere Stadium in Rusape.
Tenax FC who were still basking in the glory of winning the SADC Prison and Correctional games in South Africa put up a superb performance and made sure to collect maximum points.
It was a weekend of joy for Mutare side who closed the gap to one point behind current log leaders FC Wangu Mazodze.
Tenax FC are now on 38 points, a point shy of FC Mazodze. Bikita Minerals FC and Rusitu Tigers who have given a good account of themselves in their maiden season are on third and fourth position respectively as they are tied on 34 points but separated by a goal difference. Mutare City Rovers FC completes the top five with 32 points.
Fondly known as Chauya Chikara by its faithfuls, Tenax is looking forward to a quick return to the more fashionable Premier League.
Tenax’s first goal came from the team’s captain, Misheck Shonga just 2 minutes into the match.
FC Hunters equalized through a Harrison Masina penalty after 42 minutes of play.
The match went into half time on level before defender Justine Gadzani snatched it for Chauya Chikara after scoring from a penalty 25 minutes after the breather.
However, it was a gloomy for FC Mazodze who failed to collect maximum points after playing to a goalless draw against Mutare City Rovers aka Gusha Bhora.
Mazodze have since announced the arrival of former Dynamos player Masimba Member in Charge Dinyero as head coach. Dinyero takes over from George Magariro.
Tenax FC coach Luke Petros said it was a very good game to start off the second half of the season.
“It was a very good game. This is a morale booster for us especially coming from the break where teams struggle to start on the positive note. We have to make sure that we maintain the winning ways and we will try and give a stretch in terms of positive results,” he said.
Petros believes it still anyone’s game and the race is wide open.
“After winning our first game of the second half of the season, we really know we are in the right direction. We will work hard and make sure we continue to post positive results since the race for promotion is wide open,” he said.
Elsewhere, Manica Diamonds U19 lost 1-2 to stubborn Bikita Minerals while Masvingo United beat Renco Mine 2-0 at Mucheke Stadium.
JM Busha lost 1-2 to struggling Chiredzi Stars. Midway failed to utilize home advantage and lost 0-1 to the Shaddy ‘Father’ Mugurasave coached side Buffaloes FC. New boys Rusitu Tigers did not disappoint and gave their fans something to smile of after winning 3-0 at home against Surrey FC.
