BULAWAYO - A first half brace by bustling striker David Temwanjira earned newcomers Chiredzi their first set of full points after a 2-0 victory over Bantu Rovers here on Saturday.
The big striker first struck on 15 minutes off a Marlvern Gaki assist and then grabbed his brace on the stroke of halftime with a header off a Rowen Nenzou corner kick.
Temwanjira had won the set piece after his full blooded effort had been parried out for a corner by Bantu Rovers keeper Brighton Chipula.
Chiredzi assistant coach Dzingai Muringe described the win as a morale booster for his side.
"We are very happy to have registered our first win of the season and I hope it is a sign of things to come.
"We have been playing well in our previous matches but let ourselves down by conceding some silly goals and hopefully this victory marks a turnaround in our fortunes," Muringe said.
Tshintsha Guluva were their own worst enemies as they not only spurned numerous chances that came their way but also failed to score from the penalty spot on 55 minutes when Obediah Tarumbwa's effort was easily saved by Chiredzi keeper Simon Kafitire.
Match referee Bonamali Bwanali had awarded the hosts the set piece after a Chiredzi player handled inside the penalty area.
Katifire also denied Tarumbwa a face saver in injury time when the keeper went full stretch to tip over a long range effort from the striker.
Bantu Rovers head coach Methembe Ndlovu admitted that his charges were outplayed in his post match interview.
"We were under pressure from the onset and failed to come to the party. It happens in football and we have to look forward to the next game," Ndlovu said.
Teams
Bantu Rovers: Brighton Chipula, Lawson Nkomo (Lucky Nyathi 52 min), Bongani Sikhwili, Zephania Ngodzo, Proud Zireni, Tatenda Magaisa (Emberton Tshuma 35 min), Nqobizitha Masuku (Moses Majika 73 min), Fortune Ncube, Thandazani Ndlovu, Obediah Tarumbwa, Siza Dube
Chiredzi: Simon Kafitire, Tawanda Mpungu, Gift Kwaramba Durban Bakali, David Temwanjira (Kenny Matogo 84 min), Jimmy Dzingai, Munya Chiwara, Rowan Nenzou, Marlvern Gaki (Wellington Kamudyariwa 61 min), Abel Gwatidzo, Tawanda Dephistara (Norman Maroto 77 min)