WHAWHA finally scored their first goal of the Chibuku Super Cup in a thrilling Group 4 encounter against Triangle, which ended 1-1 at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
Before yesterday’s game, the Gweru-based newly promoted team had conceded nine goals against the two Platinum’s and had to win against Triangle or at least get a draw to avoid getting the wooden spoon.
Triangle was quick off the blocks taking the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of a Russell Madamombe free-kick.
The Prison and Correctional Service outfit, WhaWha came back a rejuvenated team after the break, with Xolani Ncube scoring his and Whawha’s first goal of the campaign three minutes into the second half.
Luke Jukulele, the Whawha coach, was impressed with the way his charges performed especially after the two defeats and predicted a bright future ahead.
“This is a learning curve, especially getting a point against Triangle; it is a confidence booster to the team,” said Jukelele.
“I think I can now say we have got a starting point. When we go back to work, we can now start working and building our confidence which was lacking in our first two games against FC Platinum and Ngezi Stars.”
Jukulele is confident that his team has got the impetus that they need to fight until the end to see where they end up on the log in their group. However, for that to happen, Whawha should stop giving the opposition too much respect.
“Things are beginning to shape up, but at the end of the day, we still need to work an extra mile, especially on the players’ concentration levels, particularly in the beginning stages of the game,” he said.
“I thought the youngsters are developing stage fright and giving too much respect to the opposing players, and that’s when we get punished.”
WhaWha goalkeeper Terrence Chiku made some outstanding saves that kept his team in the game which drew some plaudits from Jukulele.
“That was a very crucial turning point for us that he (Chiku) made some two, three crucial saves and saved us from being humiliated,” said the former Shabanie Mine goal poacher.
The way the Midlands team played against Triangle brought a lot of optimism for the future as their coach reflected on what the future holds for his team once the season proper gets underway.
“As I say, it’s work in progress. Look at how the youngsters are progressing. I think given the opportunity that we square against FC Platinum and Ngezi, I have to make sure that either we draw or beat them, that will be a token for the team and I as the coach,” quipped the former Zimbabwe international.
