Match Report - BOARDER PIRATES FC - 12 Apr 2025

Mercenaries FC vs Border Pirates FC – Derby Ends in Stalemate

It was a fiery derby afternoon at Mutare Poly Grounds as Mercenaries FC hosted fierce rivals Border Pirates FC in a match that had everything but a winner. The much-anticipated local showdown lived up to its billing, with drama, tension, and a fair share of tactical chess from both benches.

Both teams started cautiously, each trying to feel the other out. Chances were few and far between in the opening half, with much of the action happening in the midfield. Despite a few flashes of brilliance from Mercenaries’ playmaker Abel Musarandoga and Border Pirates’ winger Ivory, neither side could break the deadlock.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 50th minute when Taurai "Tau" Muodzeri pounced on a defensive blunder by the Border Pirates goalkeeper, slotting home to send the home crowd into a frenzy. Tau’s sharp instincts gave Mercenaries a deserved lead, and at that point, it looked like the hosts would take full control of the match.

However, midway through the second half, Mercenaries head coach Denfy Jojo made a couple of tactical substitutions aimed at shoring up the midfield. Unfortunately, those changes seemed to backfire as Border Pirates grew in confidence and began to dominate possession.

The equalizer came from a well-delivered corner kick by Vinny, which was expertly nodded home by striker Sinaputa. The goal sent the traveling fans into celebration and stunned the home supporters into silence.

Mercenaries were left to rue missed chances and what-ifs after dropping two crucial points at home. Coach Jojo will certainly have questions to answer regarding his second-half changes, while Border Pirates will be pleased with the fightback and the point earned on rival turf.

Tau’s goal may have lit the fire, but it was Sinaputa’s header that ensured bragging rights were shared—for now.

Mercenaries FC will look to bounce back in their next fixture, while Border Pirates will take the momentum into their upcoming clash.

"It’s a derby… you win it or you learn from it. Today we learned," said a disappointed Jojo post-match.