Fullhouse at Bata Stadium as Sheasham grabs a point agaist Highlanders
By Delicious Mathuthu
It was a glorious point for Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) new-boys, Sheasham FC, as they held Bulawayo giants, Highlanders, to a nill all draw in their eighth encounter at the newly commissioned Bata Stadium in Gweru on Sunday.
Despite the massive support for the visitors who filled the stadium to rally behind their team and their superiority, Sheasham tried trading blow to blow on the field and could have stolen the game if they were more clinical in their few chances created.
The Construction Boys Coach, John Nyikadzino, said he is happy with the outcome considering their opponent, as his boys lived up to expectations.
“Overally, I am happy with the performance of my players. We stuck to our game plan, this is our first game at home and we really wanted to win, unfortunately we were facing a Zimbabwean football giant so I am happy with a point, we take that point home,” Nyikadzino said.
“I think with a bit of luck there are two chances that we created towards the end that should have gone in.
“Thumbs up to Highlanders defenders, they cleared one of the goals off the line,” Nyikadzino said.
On the game plan going into the match, Nyikadzino said they focused on preventing an early goal, then attack.
“Basically we knew Highlanders in the first 15 minutes they will come at us, it was to hold them then we try and attack after those 15 minutes and I think it really worked for us.
“Any coach will be happy, Highlanders are in top form, they are one of the biggest clubs, getting a point from Highlanders its not easy. I am happy with what my players have done so far.
“Last week we won; against Highlanders a draw is enough for us, we are very happy,” Nyikadzino said.
He said the game was evenly balanced in terms of shots on target and chances created.
Highlanders exhibited why they are log leaders with accurate passing and team play, creating some chilling moments in the Sheasham box which were however thwarted much to the disappointment of the visiting fans.
Highlanders coach, Baltemar Brito, was not pleased with the game.
He complained about time wasting, especially in the second half of the game.
“I am not satisfied at all but we already advised these people, these people all they think about is waste of time. I don’t want to speak more about it.
“I am pity about this, a lot of people that comes here to watch a football game and they, in the second half, they just watch the goal keeper lying down and other ones,” Brito said.
Some of the Highlanders fans vandalised the right wing of the VIP section fence to gain entry to the stands.
The stadium managed to contain the multitude that came with multiple entrance points and tight security around the stadium, including the police mounted unit.
Bata Stadium was recently renovated, after completion of the first phase, they got approval from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to host games after meeting minimum required standards for PSL games.
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