Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
THE Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) title race is heading for a dramatic finish. With just three matches left, Hardrock (79 points) and Sheasham (78 points) are neck and neck, separated by a single point that could define their season.
Hardrock cling to top spot, but Sheasham’s superior goal difference, plus 59 to Hardrock’s 53, means the Construction Boys are still within striking distance of a return to the Premier Soccer League. What was once a two horse chase has turned into a tense sprint to the line.
For Sheasham, the next three games will test both nerve and endurance. They travel to Gwanda on October 31 for a tricky clash against a resurgent West Nicholson side whose second-half surge has made them dangerous spoilers. Sheasham will then host financially troubled Dinson Mvuma Stars at Bata Stadium, a fixture they’re expected to win, before a potential decider away to Shabanie Mine at Maglas Stadium. The Chinda Boys’ fierce home form could make that final game the ultimate test of Sheasham’s title ambitions.
Hardrock’s run in is equally unforgiving. They begin their final stretch with a tough assignment against Chapungu FC at Ascot Stadium this Friday, where they’ll be out to avenge their 1-0 first leg loss. The Airmen’s resilience guarantees a battle.
Fresh from a 3-0 demolition of Gwanda Pirates, Hardrock are unbeaten and brimming with confidence, yet complacency could prove costly. After Chapungu, they host MSU at Baghdad Stadium before closing their campaign with a high pressure trip to Beitbridge to face Dulibadzimu United. Both teams finish their seasons away from home, a detail that could tilt the balance when the nerves start to bite.
Defensively, the margins are razor-thin. Sheasham have conceded just 15 goals in 31 matches, thanks to the leadership of captain David Mangesi and the solid pairing of Roy Useni and Frankson Bushiri. Hardrock’s veteran backline, Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye, Philip Kaseke, Lennox Mucheto and Evidence Tendai, has been even tighter, letting in only eight goals all season.
Creative playmakers Ayanda Ncube (Sheasham) and Tinashe Mashaireni (Hardrock) hold the keys to unlocking these disciplined defences. Up front, Sheasham’s Wilfred Manzungu continues to terrorise defenders, leading the Golden Boot race with 23 goals, including multiple hat tricks. His partnership with Gabriel Rugoho, Nicole Mutatiwa and Wilfrad Muza has powered Sheasham’s title surge.
Hardrock’s answer lies with Donald Ngoma, who hit the headlines with a six goal blitz recently to take his tally to 14. Alongside Last Nyilenda, Blessing Sahondo and Benedict Sithole, Ngoma gives the miners a lethal edge in front of goal.
As the final whistle of the season draws closer, both clubs know that one mistake could crush months of hard work. Every tackle, save and goal from here could decide who celebrates promotion and who is left wondering what might have been.
The supporting cast; West Nicholson, Dinson Mvuma, Shabanie Mine, Chapungu, MSU and Dulibadzimu United may be out of the title picture, but their roles as kingmakers will shape the destiny of this unforgettable CRSL season.
The next three weeks promise tension, drama and pure football theatre. Central Region’s finest hour is coming.
CRSL Week 32 Fixtures
Friday: Chapungu vs Hardrock; Tongogara vs FC Platinum U19; Gwanda Pirates vs Grain Tigers; West Nicholson vs Sheasham
Saturday: MSU vs Blanket Mine; Dinson Mvuma Stars vs Matobo; Dulibadzimu United vs Gokwe North; ZRP Gwanda vs Jame West; Shabanie Mine are on a bye.
