Mandiranga breathes life into Harare City

Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub

Harare City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(0) 1

Black Rhinos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

SEASONED forward Emmanuel Mandiranga scored the winner as Harare City beat Black Rhinos 1-0 in a top-of-the-table thriller at Callies Sports Club, cutting the gap at the summit of the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League to just one point. Rhinos had a chance to maintain their four-point lead over the Sunshine Boys, but a missed penalty in the 74th minute by the army side’s Mctonomy Mahodobi meant they blew a chance for at least a share of the spoils.

Yet for City, coach Try Ncube will be happy with the immediate return on investment from his mid-season acquisition Mandiranga.

Mandiranga has now netted four goals in five appearances since joining City during the transfer window, and his latest strike could not have come at a better time.

City went into the match four points behind Rhinos, knowing defeat would leave their PSL promotion hopes hanging by a thread.

Instead, Mandiranga’s decisive goal, off a flashing header, has blown the title race wide open, with the championship run-in now in sight.

“We fought hard for the three points,’’ Ncube said.

Ncube also praised his side’s resolve but admitted Rhinos pushed them all the way.

“The match was very tough, as we expected. We knew they were a strong side, but we fought hard for the three points.

“In the second half, we started trying to get more possession. Fortunately, we managed to take one of those chances and score.

“After scoring, I felt we defended too deep . . . they put us under pressure, and our goalkeeper also made a great save. After that, the players defended for their lives.”

Despite closing the gap, Ncube is keeping his feet on the ground.

“We have won, and we are closer, but it is not over yet. There is still a lot of football to be played.”

Mandiranga’s impact has been immediate, despite limited football earlier this year, and Ncube acknowledged as much.

“He brings experience to the team, and he also brings energy and leadership.

“You have to remember that this was only his fifth game this year. From January until around July, he was not playing regularly, so what he is giving us is very important, especially in our title push.”

With his scoring form, Mandiranga also stands the highest chance of being named MCM Estates Northern Region Player of the Month.