By Azriel Chimeno
Kadoma — Ingezi Hurricanes Academy delivered a dominant first-half performance to cruise past CUMA Academy 3–1 in a Mashonaland West Division 2B showdown at Rimuka Stadium on Friday, moving level on points with Barcelona Kadoma at the top of the league standings.
The Hurricanes wasted no time asserting their dominance. Captain Dean Mutakwa opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a perfectly timed header from a corner, sending early warning signals to the young CUMA side.
Twelve minutes later, it was Marvin Nhubu who doubled the advantage with a clinical right-footed strike, again capitalizing on poor set-piece defending by CUMA.
The onslaught continued in the 29th minute as veteran midfielder Terrence Mukuradare unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box to make it 3–0, silencing the CUMA bench.
The Hurricanes’ midfield maestro Shepherd Munetsi was unstoppable, delivering dazzling runs and pin-point crosses that repeatedly cut through the CUMA defense. His pace, creativity, and relentless pressure earned him the Man of the Match award.
CUMA Academy struggled to get a foothold in the first half but showed promise after the break. Youngsters Mufaro “Aphiri” Phiri and Ralph Charuma injected urgency and flair into the midfield, offering glimpses of the potential brewing within the developmental side.
Their persistence paid off in the dying minutes, as Liberty Ribanewako capitalized on a fumble by the Hurricanes’ substitute goalkeeper to pull one back in the 89th minute. But the damage had already been done.
Speaking after the match, CUMA coach Alfonso Ignatius remained optimistic despite the defeat.
“We gave it our all. There are positives to take. We’ll regroup and bounce back.”
However, CUMA Academy Director and former Warriors forward Cuthbert Malajila voiced frustration with the officiating:
“We’re not happy with the refereeing. It’s discouraging for the young stars we are trying to develop.”
In contrast, Hurricanes coach Takunda Magaya praised his team’s execution.
“It’s a well-earned three points. The boys played with intensity and composure. We’re aiming for the title, and performances like this keep us on course.”
The result sees Ingezi Hurricanes Academy tied on 59 points with Barcelona Kadoma, who face Vodds on Saturday. The title race is heating up as the season enters its final stretch.
With form, firepower, and focus, Ingezi Hurricanes look ready to go the distance.
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