Onward Gangata [email protected]
BLANKET Mine missed the chance to seal their promotion into the Premier Soccer League this past weekend after they were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by relegated Shurugwi FC.
A win at Makusha stadium would have guaranteed the Gwanda side of a slot in the top flight for next season.
The Barbers, as Blanket Mine are affectionately known, had to sweat to force a draw which means second placed Kwekwe United still have a chance.
Blanket Mine leads the race with 78 points, five more than Kwekwe United while Chapungu are in third place with 70 points.
That result means Luke Petros-Jukulile and his charges will have to do it the hard way.
A point in their next match will see them through, but there is a catch! Blanket Mine are on the road to Kwekwe United this coming weekend.
It will be a high stakes encounter at Mbizo stadium where a win for Kwekwe United will move them to within two points of the leaders.
That will set up the league for a grappling last day of the season.
“We are thankful to God for where we are this season,” said Blanket Mine striker, Matthew Hlabati.He has been the mainstay for the Gwanda side with his goal scoring prowess carrying the side throughout the season.
On Saturday he received two awards for being the top goal scorer and player of the month for September.
“I am praying that God guides us in the last matches and we can be able to complete the task,” he added.
On the tail end of the log table, it it not looking good for Gwanda side Super Strikers and MSU.
Following the relegation of TelOne from the Premier Soccer League, it means four teams will go down instead of three, to accommodate the Wifi Boys in the Central Region Soccer League next year.
MSU are in 15th place with 29 points while Super Strikers are a rung above a point better.
The last two games of the season will definitely guarantee entertainment on both ends of the table.
Results:
Super Strikers 0-2 Chapungu, Grain Tigers 0-1 Kwekwe United, Shurugwi 1-1 Blanket Mine,Matobo 3-2 MSU, Vhembe Stars Academy 2-0 Gwanda Pirates, Sabi Gold Mine 3-0 Dulibadzimu, FC Platinum U19 1-2 West Nicholson, ZRP Gwanda 2-2 Shabanie Mine
