AFTER exiting the Caf Confederation Cup, How Mine came onto the local scene looking a pale shadow of themselves losing the first two matches in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL). FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER
But it looks like the gold miners are back on their feet in the league campaign after the first two defeats as they have gone four matches without losing, a feat that has landed them on position five on the log standings with 10 points, just two shy of pacesetters Highlanders.
And striker Kuda Musharu, who recently returned from trials with Absa PSL side AmaZulu, after free-scoring exploits in the Confederation Cup, has found his scoring boots once again after getting his fourth of the season on Saturday when How Mine beat Hwange 2-0 at Luveve Stadium.
How Mine’s first loss was a 0-1 defeat to Dynamos at Barbourfields courtesy of an own goal by right-back Brighton Dube before losing 1-3 to city neighbours Bantu Rovers.
Coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube attributed that slump to the Confederation Cup fatigue, but the two losses were followed by a 2-2 draw to Chapungu away from home in Gweru when Musharu scored his first goal.
They were back home where they beat Shabanie Mine 2-1 before another 2-1 win against Chiredzi FC at Chishamiso, with Musharu grabbing a brace before handing Hwange their first defeat with a 2-0 win at Luveve on Saturday.
Another tough test for the gold miners will come this weekend when they face Chicken Inn in the third Bulawayo derby at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.
Chicken Inn were back to their winning ways on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat of Black Rhinos at Rimuka Stadium, which saw them rise to position seven with nine points just behind Shabanie and How Mine, who have 10 points each.
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FC Platinum got their second win, adding to Harare City’s woes at Mandava Stadium, Zvishavane, on Saturday with a 2-1 victory. They have nine points.
City have had six defeats and it is not looking good for Bigboy Mawiwi, voted the 2013 coach of the year.
PSL returnées Bantu Rovers suffered their fourth defeat of the season with a 0-2 loss to Chiredzi FC, who got their first win.
After beating Dynamos last Thursday, Chapungu were held to a 1-1 draw by Shabanie Mine at Ascot on Sunday.
The competition continues at the weekend in round seven of the league with the gap between Highlanders on the top and Chapungu on position 10, just three points.
Match day seven fixtures Friday: Harare City v Triangle (Rufaro 1500, SS9)
Saturday: Caps United v Black Rhinos, (National Sports Stadium 1500hrs SS9), Chicken Inn v How Mine (Luveve Stadium), Chiredzi v Chapungu (Chishamiso Stadium)
Sunday: ZPC Kariba v Highlanders (Gwanzura, SS9), Shabanie Mine v Dynamos (Maglas), Buffaloes v FC Platinum (Sakubva), Hwange v Bantu Rovers (Colliery)
