CAPS United, Herentals break free

Zimpapers Sports Hub

It was a weekend of frustrating stalemates in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, with only two sides, Herentals and CAPS United, managing to pick up full points as match day eight served up more grit than gloss.

Herentals opened the round on Friday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over GreenFuel at Rufaro, captain Tinotenda Benza leading by example. His close-range finish five minutes before the break proved decisive as The Students gave their top-five hopes a timely shot in the arm.

“I am happy with the three points we collected and what really pleases me is that we managed to score, something that has been eluding us this season,” said Herentals coach Paul Benza, whose side could rise even higher if awarded points from their abandoned Easter fixture against Kwekwe united.

But it was Saturday’s events that truly stole the spotlight. The headline clash in Shamva ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate as Simba Bhora were frustrated by early pacesetters MWOS in a top-of-the-table showdown.

Joel Lupahla’s charges had their chances, none bigger than substitute William Manondo’s glaring miss right at the death, but MWOS showed why they remain unbeaten after eight matches.

“We knew it was going to be difficult. They are on top of the log not by fluke,” said Luphahla. “It’s a point apiece, fair for both sides, but we have to work harder.”

MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa, however, remained coy about their fairytale start, insisting: “We just want to avoid relegation. Anything else will be a bonus.”

The goalless draw meant MWOS stayed top with 18 points, three clear of Simba Bhora. In Harare, CAPS United finally breathed life into their faltering campaign with a precious 1-0 victory over Yadah, a win that perhaps owed as much to superstition as strategy.

Coach Lloyd Chitembwe, normally a bundle of energy, cut a curiously subdued figure arriving late, quietly, and even ceding touchline duties to his assistant Farai Tawachera.

Rodwell Chinyengetere’s late header, off an Eric Manokore corner, proved the difference.

Assistant coach Tonderai Marume summed up the mood: “The dream is still alive. This was not an easy game but the boys capitalised on one of the many chances they created.”

For Chitembwe, it was a sigh of relief amid swirling rumours and a looming two-game ultimatum. Elsewhere in Gweru, Highlanders did TelOne no favours as they held the WiFi Boys to a 1-1 draw at Bata Stadium, halting their impressive rise.

Bosso coach Kelvin Kaindu praised his charges for the fighting spirit after falling behind early, while TelOne rued missed opportunities to close in further on the leading pack. At Gibbo, Bikita Minerals continued to show they belong among the top flight as they held champions Ngezi Platinum to a 1-1 draw. Chelsea Nyakope punished a defensive blunder to put Bikita ahead, before substitute Takunda Benhura rescued a point for the visitors.

“We conceded a silly goal, but from there, we controlled the match,” said Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi.

“We kept coming, but their goalkeeper (Taona Temera) had a blinder.”

At Nyamhunga, ZPC Kariba and Scottland shared spoils in yet another goalless draw, while Chicken Inn and Manica Diamonds also finished 1-1 in Mutare.

Dynamos’ struggles in front of goal continued as they fired blanks against struggling Kwekwe United at Rufaro.

RESULTS ROUND-UP:

Herentals 1-0 GreenFuel, Simba Bhora 0-0 MWOS, Yadah 0-1 CAPS United, TelOne 1-1 Highlanders, Bikita Minerals 1-1 Ngezi Platinum, Manica Diamonds 1-1 Chicken Inn, Dynamos 0-0 Kwekwe United, ZPC Kariba 0-0 Scotland.