In their MMK Administrators League match at the Shayandima High School grounds on Saturday, the rookies, Tshakhuma Peace Lovers, rose to the occasion and beat Shayandima United Power Stars 2-1.

Although they conceded an early goal, the visitors from Tshakhuma did not lose their original fighting spirit. Instead, they used that as a wake-up call to fight more collectively.

United Power Stars enhanced their scoring chances by adding to the number of their strikers as they approached the opposition danger area, thus making things difficult for the Peace Lovers’ defence. A defender of Peace Lovers, Dakalo Mudau, handled the ball within his own penalty area in the eighth minute. This prompted the referee, Mr Rabelani Nemushungwa, to award a penalty to the home side.

Emmanuel Neswiswi, the former Rockers FC and Makovha All Stars playmaker, beat the keeper with a ground cutter from the white spot. The Power Stars’ fighting spirit faded with time. At that stage, Peace Lovers were fast gaining momentum. Peace Lovers were awarded a free kick just outside the box after their centre forward, Fhatuwani Mudau, was brought down.

Mudau got up and tried his luck from the free kick. As if he were a spectator, the keeper of United Power Stars, Tshifhiwa Ramugondo, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach.

Peace Lovers continued from where they left off in the first half. They were rewarded with a goal nine minutes into the last half. Tsepo Ganyane forced his way through the defence of Power Stars and beat the keeper with a ground cutter. Power Stars lost hope after they were reduced to 10 men. Rolivhuwa Ragalavhanda was given his marching orders, following a late tackle on Matimba Vukea. Peace Lovers played defensive football in the last 15 minutes of the game.