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Zvirekwi stars in CAPS win in Zimbabwe Premier League

Caps United celebrate Tinashe Makufa

CAPS United right-back Hardlife Zvirekwi continued his remarkable life story as he scored an early goal to power CAPS United to a vital 1-0 win over Black Rhinos on a productive day for the big guns in the Zimbabwe Premier League.

Log leaders FC Platinum ended their three-match barren run after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Bulawayo City, while second-placed Ngezi endured an equally testing afternoon before prevailing 3-2 over Nichrut at Baobab Stadium.

The day however belonged to Zvirekwi, who lost his left hand in a horrific car crash early in the year but has shown tremendous spirit to defy the odds and revive his career.

The 31-year-old has re-established himself as the CAPS first choice right-back, and on Saturday he turned match-winner after stunning Rhinos with a second-minute strike which ultimately settled the contest at Rufaro Stadium.

It was a generally impressive all-round display from Zvirekwi, who could have walked away with an assist to his name as well only for John Zhuwawu to fluff a presentable chance following some great work from the Zimbabwe international.

The win ended a run of three straight draws for the Green Machine, who remain in fifth position with 25 points from 21 matches.

FC Platinum meanwhile needed a Rodwell Chinyengetere goal in the final 10 minutes to overcome the challenge of Bulawayo City.

The champions had looked headed for another frustrating afternoon after struggling to impose their superiority on the hosts, but reigning player of the year Chinyengetere saved the day for Norman Mapeza's team.

It was not an easy afternoon too for Ngezi, who took an early lead through Marlon Mushonga only to endure some nervy moments as the relegation-troubled visitors turned the match on its head with goals from Shepherd Sithole and Farai Vimisai either side of the break.

However, Donald Teguru and Godknows Murwira struck in the final quarter to ensure a happy ending for the home fans.

Elsewhere, David Temwanjira grabbed a double to power ZPC Kariba to an emphatic 3-1 win at home to inconsistent Triangle.

Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe thrust the home side ahead on 10 minutes, and the dangerous Temwanjira doubled the advantage five minutes before the break.

Lameck Nhamo however beat the half-time whistle to give Triangle some hope, but the league's leading marksman Temwanjira had the final say with his 11th of the season six minutes into the second half.