Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, [email protected]
BLANKET Mine consolidated their lead at the top of the Central Region Soccer League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away to FC Platinum U19 on Sunday.
Kwekwe United had briefly climbed to the summit on Saturday evening after securing a slender 1-0 win of their own against Shabanie Mine at Baghdad Stadium.
The fact that the two leading teams exchanged places within 24 hours underlines the intensity and unpredictability of the race for promotion.
It is a contest defined by fine margins, with the battle increasingly becoming a question of who blinks first as both sides remain relentless in their pursuit of Premiership football.
There is also little time to savour victories or dwell on disappointments, with a full programme of midweek fixtures lined up, beginning today when fourth-placed West Nicholson host Gwanda Pirates in a Gwanda derby at Phelandaba Stadium.
Neither side is far off the pace. West Nicholson trail the leaders by five points, while Gwanda Pirates sit fifth on the table, eight points behind Blanket Mine.
The encounter is expected to be a stern test of tactical discipline, mental strength and character in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.
Another enticing showdown is set for the mining town of Zvishavane, where former Premiership sides Shabanie Mine and Chapungu lock horns.
The Air Force side have thrust themselves back into contention following two successive victories in which they scored eight goals and conceded just once.
They thrashed Vhembe Stars Academy 4-0 last Wednesday before following up with an emphatic 4-1 victory over MSU on Sunday.
However, a far sterner challenge awaits Waru Waru, who occupy third place and sit five points behind the leaders.
“We are now looking for consistency after these two huge wins. Hopefully we can build on the momentum with another win when we play Shabanie and Gwanda Pirates in our next matches,” said Chapungu assistant coach, Moenda Muchingami.
In other fixtures, log leaders Blanket Mine host struggling Matobo on Wednesday, while second-placed Kwekwe United welcome a resurgent Sabi Gold Mine side.
