CAPS United 2-0 Manica Diamonds

HARARE – CAPS United opened their 2019 Premier Soccer League season account with a routine victory over debutants Manica Diamonds at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Dominic Chungwa, on the pitch for just 11 minutes, created United’s opener as Luke Masomere’s men got off to the worst possible start.

Chungwa made a nuisance of himself as the visiting defenders and their goalkeeper Jorum Muchambo failed to take control of a loose ball. Chungwa forced the ball to John Zhuwawu who scrambled it over the line.

Lloyd Chitembwe praised his United players for “precision passing” in a dominant first half display, and it was from such accuracy that debutant Gabriel Nyoni was sent through in on goal only to be impeded by Lawrence Masibhera.

Joel Ngodzo converted the spot kick and United appeared to take the foot off the pedal and focused on preserving their advantage with the opposition offering very little by way of attack.

Last season’s runners up Ngezi Platinum, now under new coach Erol Akbay, were at the losing end as Russel Madamombe and Kudzai Chigwida fired Triangle to a 2-1 win at Gibbo on Sunday. Barnabas Mushunje replied through a free-kick for the visitors who must fancy going one better than last season.

Chapungu emerged the biggest winners of the opening day of the season after they thumped Bulawayo Chiefs 5-0 on Saturday.

Bulawayo Chiefs immediately announced the return of their former coach Thulani Sibanda, after applying that he be exempted from a new ZIFA requirement that all top flight coaches must have a Caf A Licence qualification.

Defending champions FC Platinum beat Harare City 2-0 on the road on Friday to show early intent.

There were also wins for Chicken Inn and Dynamos, who will be under pressure to keep FC Platinum honest.

Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Results

Sunday

CAPS United 2-0 Manica Diamonds; Hwange 2-0 Yadah; Triangle United 2-1 Ngezi Platinum; Herentals 0-0 TelOne

Saturday

Black Rhinos 1-1 Highlanders; Chicken Inn 3-1 ZPC Kariba; Mushowani Stars 0-2 Dynamos; Chapungu 5-0 Bulawayo Chiefs

Friday

Harare City 0-2 FC Platinum