By Sports writer
TELONE booked a place in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup after a 4-2 penalty shoot out victory over Arenel Movers.
The match had ended nil all in regulation time at Mandava stadium in the early kick off match.
Veteran goalkeeper, Chris Mverechena was the hero of the day saving two penalties to book a place against FC Platinum.
Eriya Mafirenyika, Washington Navaya,Leo Hofisi and Allan Chapinduka all scored their spot kicks for the WiFi boys.
For Arenel Movers, Dalubuhle Dlodlo and Timothy January converted their penalties while Brian Jaravaza and Andrew Tandi had theirs saved.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Telone coach, Hebert Maruwa applauded his players for putting their penalties to perfection.
“It was a close game, we managed to sail through, Arenel were very very organized,” he said post match.
“We knew they were going to come hard on us, we practiced penalties for two weeks preparing for this match
I am happy with our goalkeeper, he helped us in saving the penalty kicks.”
Arenel Movers coach Philani Ncube bemoaned his side’s congested fixture for the poor showing.
“There is nothing we can do because it is PSL,I don’t know whether they are seeing the situation scientific,” decried Ncube.
“Whether to them it’s ok, I don’t know, but if we had played at three maybe we could have managed the fatigue.”
The Bulawayo side played Manica Diamonds last Sunday and will travel again to play FC Platinum this Saturday.
In the second preliminary match, Chegutu Pirates beat Hwange 5-4 on penalties after the match had ended one all.
Hwange took the lead early in the second half through Sipho Ndlovu with a good header.
However, Zaire responded on the half hour mark courtesy of Ghanaian import Richard Kumi.
The two teams could not be separated after regulation time and needed a penalty shoot out with Pirates emerging 5-4 victors.
Chegutu Pirates will play Manica Diamonds in the first round scheduled for 17-18 August.
The victorious coach Day Gutu said the win was a good confidence booster for his side.
“At least the win managed to release pressure on us,” he said.
“The bottom clubs are always under pressure to deliver so this win gives us confidence when we will go the Colliery.”
