CHEGUTU – DAY Gutu, Chegutu Pirates gaffer, has urged fans to calm down
following the club’s poor performance in the second and final round of the season.
Gutu said this at Pfupajena Stadium before their fourth second leg game against
Eagles.
Fans are already demanding a win, whatever the circumstances.
Chegutu Pirates started the second leg with an away two-nil loss to MWOS before
drawing one-all to both Concession FC and Commando Bullets, thus managing just
two points in four games.
But Gutu, alive to the potential backlash from supporters, said the poor run was a
repeat of the system since they went through that phase in the first leg. "It's just a
repeat of the system. Even during the first leg, we managed to pick two points from
four games.
“We started to garner points in our fifth game against Chinhoyi Stars and from there
on, everything went well till the break period.
“We are going to pick points from today against Eagles. It is a grudge match
because it is only this team that beat us in the first leg.
“Nhasi tovarova chete, ende ndopatiri kutangira kutora mapoints ipapa,” said a
confident Gutu.
Gutu assembled a well-greased team of old and new players against Eagles. Inside
three minutes of play Pirates were already in the lead through a well- taken penalty
by Gift Mwinje. And 23 minutes later, the new signing, Mushawashe Gwara, inflicted
more pain on Eagles with a 25-yard screamer that gave Eagles’ keeper no chance,
only to pick the ball from back of the nets.
Pirates applied more pressure, but their two more goals were disallowed for offside.
Eagles had their chance seven minutes into the second half which they cleverly
utilised to draw one back.
Gutu had a timely triple substitution, which immediately paid dividends and kept
supporters on the edge of their seats. The introduction of Captain Simbarashe
Domingo livened up the game and Pirates almost scored again. Mwinje set up
Domingo, who roasted his marker inside out to set Adwin Tsoro whose shot went
slightly over the bar.
Pirates also had a goal disallowed for offside.
Eagles continued to pile more pressure but were denied by acrobatic saves from
Pirates’ goalkeeper George Chirara, who made a brilliant last minute save.
After the game, Gutu was a happy man and promised fans that the title race was still
open.
"As I said, the title race is still open. We want to fight to the bitter end. Eagles gave
us a good run for our money and I think my boys have learnt a lot out of it.
"I am happy that we have managed to collect all the three points," said Gutu.
The Chegutu Municipality-owned team is going to face Trojan Mine FC in their mid-
week away encounter at Muriel Mine Stadium in Mutorashanga.
