HARARE - Harare City scored three second half goals in a Castle Premiership match yesterday to sink the Gweru visitors deeper into relegation trouble.

After failing to break down the Midlands team’s gritty defence in the opening half, the hosts finally got the opener after 64 minutes through the skilful Silas Songani, who drilled home after Hardbody defenders had failed to clear their lines.

Seven minutes later, former Dynamos and Gunners midfielder Nathan Ziwini grabbed the second from close range after profiting from a beautiful centre from second half substitute Raphael Manuvire.

Just a minute shy of full-time, Ziwini’s effort from a Manuvire centre was inadvertently deflected into the nets by Hardbody defender Joanna Mangiza to complete the rout.

A delighted Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi expressed his confidence after the match that his team is on course for a top eight placing in their maiden Premiership season.

“Top eight is a realistic target because we don’t want to put ourselves under pressure even though we realise that we can do better,” said Mawiwi.

“We had pressure in the first half. Our strikers were rushing to get an early goal. They lacked composure.
“We told them to enjoy football in the second half because we are not under threat from relegation. I am very happy with the youngsters.”

Hardbody assistant coach Conrad Nyambabvu insisted after the match that his team still has the ability to survive the drop.

“We still have four home games against bigger teams which are not a problem for us. We are failing to perform against the so-called smaller teams. Our main priority today was today was to salvage something away from home but our game plan didn’t work.”

TEAMS

Harare City: Maxwell Nyamupanedengu, Trymore Nyamadzawo, Willard Kalongonda, Godfrey Nguwodzawo (Crybert Muvuti, 63min),Witness Nyamusaka, Ronald Maketo, Munyaradzi Diro, Nathan Ziwini, Silas Songani (Brian Mupfava, 81 min),Talent Chawapihwa (Raphael Manuvire, 71min), Crispen Dickson

Hardbody: Ashley Rayners, Joanna Mangiza, Cornilius Simango, Andrew Chuma,Callisto Maheya, Jacob Muzokomba, Stephen Alimenda, Nhlanhla Ncube, Hilary Gravel, Malvin Nyakabangwe, 80min), Richard Jongwe (Irvine Mugwamba, 76 min), Piniel Manhope.