By Sports writer
MANICA Diamonds suffered their second straight defeat of the season going down 1-3 to Telone in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Bata stadium on Saturday.
Last season’s league runners up were made to look ordinary by a determined Telone, who, with a bit of luck could have won by a huge margin.
The WiFi boys enjoyed the early exchanges threatening to run rampage against their much fancied opponents.
Telone striker, Tafadzwa Sibanda forced a fine save off the Gem boys goalkeeper Tadious Baye after just six minutes.
Moments later, Blessing Sahondo’s curling free kick from the right side struck the upright with Baye standing in akimbo.
Sahondo’s effort was perhaps a precursor of bad things to come for the Mutare side.
Polyester Shoko then thrust the WiFi boys into the lead four minutes before the break, with a well taken header but Fortune Binzi equalised on the stroke of half time with a cheeky bicycle kick.
However, Manica Diamonds capitulated in the second half to allow Blessing Sibanda and Frankson Bushiri to score, their goals three minutes apart.
Manica Diamonds coach, Jairos Tapera could not stomach the defeat and assigned his assistant, Tafadzwa Mashiri to handle media duties post match.
“Not a good start to the season, we have lost again our second game, it is not looking good.We will work on our shortcomings,” Mashiri said.
The Gem boys have now conceded six goals in their opening two matches after losing 3-2 against Simba Bhora last weekend.
But Mashiri threw his weight behind the defenders despite admitting the glaring inadequacies in his side’s backline.
“Poor statistics, not convincing at all, we have to work on that but you can’t blame one department, football is a team effort and we all shoulder the responsibility,” he added.
Telone coach Tendai Chikuni praised his charges for putting their all to collect maximum points, building on their two all draw against ZPC Kariba last week.
“I honestly want to applaud the hard work that the players are doing.I am happy for Bubu(Blessing Sibanda) for getting that goal as a striker it is great,”he said.
Other results:
Ngezi Platinum 0-2 FC Platinum
Herentals 0-2 Caps United
Simba Bhora 1-1 Green Fuel
Chicken In. 0- 0Arenel Movers
Dynamos 2-2 Hwange
