Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
NATIONAL team trialist, Tanyaradzwa Chihoro put on a masterclass performance as Maningi Youth Academy secured a win over Platinum Queens in an exciting Women’s Super league encounter played at Alexandra Sports Club in Harare this Saturday.
Fresh from representing the Mighty Warriors at the just ended COSAFA Women’s Championship, 18-year-old Tanyaradzwa Chihoro showed exactly why she earned a national team cap.
The attacking midfielder was at the heart of everything good about Maningi this Saturday as they edged fenced Platinum Queens in front of a small, but very appropriative crowd at Alex Sports Club.
The skillful player made the everyone forget that the match was delayed by an hour after the referees drove to Ngoni Stadium in Norton instead of Alex Sports Club after a late venue was not communicated to the match officials.
Maningi started the match on the front foot and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 6th minute courtesy of Tanyaradzwa Chihoro, who ironically is now nicknamed ‘COSAFA’ after she made her international bow at the tournament.
A minute later Natasha Muchakati made it two-nil after Platinum Queens goalkeeper Angeline Mudambanuki made a meal of a harmless looking free kick, as Maningi dominated the opening exchanges.
Zvishavane-based Platinum Queens looked shacky without the usual guidance of head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda on the touch line, with the Mighty Warriors assistant coach in Morocco for a CAF course.
However the visitors were lucky to be awarded a penalty after the referee blew for a hand ball in what seemed to be a harsh decision.
Upstepped captain Charity Karuru set to reduce the arrears in the 32nd minute, but their joy was shortlived as Maningi found the back of the net after striker Tawananyasha Mandishara lobbed the ball over the keeper after being sent through by Tanyaradzwa Chihoro.
Platinum refused to die and found the back of the net once again two minutes before halftime after Fillostancia Mutunzi was put through by a beautiful pass.
The two sides went to a breather with Maningi leading 3-2 and that was to be the result as the youngsters held on in the second half.
“I am very happy with the result and this is good for us coming from back to back defeats and as a new club in the league the aim is to just survive relegation,” said Maningi Youth Academy coach, Mthandazo Moyo.
Maningi next face perennial campaigners Black Rhinos in their next match slated for Wednesday.
