BIG MATCHES IN CENTRAL REGION

Tongai Mashonga

BEITBRIDGE becomes the epicentre of football fireworks this afternoon as Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) title contenders Sheasham FC and Dulibadzimu United go head-to-head.

The match could tilt the title race.

With Hardrock breathing down Sheasham’s neck and Bishopstone lurking in the wings, the midweek showdown could redraw the championship picture.

The battle for top spot is set to intensify, with Sheasham visiting Dulibadzimu and Bishopstone hosting second placed Hardrock in another high stakes Week 12 encounter.

Thursday will see a single fixture, with Gwanda Pirates, set to clash with Gokwe North at Phelandaba.

On Matchday 11, Sheasham maintained their impressive form with a commanding 5–0 thrashing of MSU at Bata Stadium in a low key Gweru derby.

Ayanda Ncube and Wilfred Manzungu scored a brace apiece, while Roy Useni completed the rout.

The “Construction Boys” now sit atop the table with 29 points.

Hot on their heels are Hardrock with 28 points, after securing a gritty 2–1 away victory against Blanket Mine in Gwanda.

Their steely defender, Munyaradzi ‘Diro’ Nyenye, initially conceded a penalty that gave Blanket an early lead, but redeemed himself with two crucial goals, including a thunderous free kick, to seal the comeback win.

Gwanda Pirates bounced back to form, defeating Jame West 1–0 at Maglass Stadium, while Tongogara climbed to fifth position following a narrow 1–0 win over Dinson Mvuma FC, courtesy of a Simon Shanga strike.

As the league marathon hits full stride, Matchday 12 presents a pivotal stretch in the race for top honours. Fixture congestion and rising pressure are beginning to test squad depth and mental strength.

Dulibadzimu United coach Rutherford Matondo remains undaunted ahead of today’s showdown with the log leaders. Sheasham coach Prince Matore acknowledged the intensity of the current schedule.

“It is a difficult phase where you play weekend and midweek, but that’s football. We have to try and manage the situation such that we play all the games.

“There is no easy game in the league, it’s a tough match ahead.”

Hardrock gaffer Calvin Maphosa and Tongogara coach Knowledge Muzerengi also expressed confidence in their sides’ readiness for the crunch fixtures.

Fixtures

Today

Grain Tigers v Blanket Mine (Mbizo)

Bishopstone v Hardrock (Muchato)

Chapungu v Jame West FC (Ascot)

MSU v FC Platinum Under-19 (MSU)

Dulibadzimu United v Sheasham (Dulibadzimu)

ZRP Gwanda v Matobo (Long John Stadium)

Tongogara v Shabanie (Tongogara)

West Nicholson v Dinson Mvuma (Phelandaba)