By Simbarashe Sithole
BINDURA — Mandizha FC turned on the style at home yesterday, brushing aside Semwa FC 2-0 in a lively Division Two clash that saw the hosts climb above their rivals on the log.
Buoyed by a vocal home crowd, Mandizha dominated proceedings and were rewarded with two well-taken goals after the break to seal a deserved victory.
Wayne Gutu opened the scoring in the 46th minute with a spectacular header that sent the home supporters into celebration.
Atkim Mandaza then put the result beyond doubt with a venomous strike that left Semwa goalkeeper Arnold Kanjera rooted to the spot.
The hosts’ supporters played their part, singing and cheering their team throughout the 90 minutes as Mandizha maintained their push up the Division Two standings.
Mandizha coach Spence Maja praised his charges for sticking to the game plan.
“The boys played according to our game plan and today was our lucky day, hence we punished the visitors,” Maja said.
For Semwa coach Cleopas Makoni, costly mistakes proved decisive.
“We were punished because we made so many blunders, but that is football. Tomorrow we will correct our mistakes and win,” Makoni said.
Referee Perseverance Marikobo had a solid outing, keeping the match under control.
The victory sees newly promoted Mandizha move into seventh position on the log, leapfrogging Semwa, who slipped down the standings after the defeat.
Mandizha will now look to build on the victory as they seek to make a strong impression in their debut Division Two campaign.