Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, [email protected]
THE Central Region Soccer League season is beginning to take clear shape after 10 rounds of matches, with a handful of teams separating themselves from the chasing pack. At the centre of the early title race are three unbeaten sides — Chapungu, Tongogara and Blanket Mine — all of whom have shown consistency and resilience so far.
As the campaign gathers momentum, the big question on many football fans’ minds is simple: which of these teams will go all the way without losing, and who will still be standing when the season comes to an end?
Leading the charge at the top of the table is Chapungu. The Gweru-based side has made a strong statement in the opening rounds, showing both attacking power and defensive discipline. They sit comfortably at the summit with 26 points, having dropped points only twice so far this season.
Chapungu’s performances suggest a team with clear ambition. Week after week, they have found ways to collect points, and their recent results show they are not just grinding out wins — they are doing so in style.
That point was driven home over the weekend, when Chapungu delivered one of the most dominant displays of the season. They crushed FC Platinum Under-19 side 5-0 on Saturday, underlining why they are being seen as early favourites for the title.
In that match, in-form striker Edward ‘Kariba’ Watson opened the scoring, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided contest. Tadiwa Mambudzi quickly added a second goal, while Tafadzwa Marufu — son of former Warriors striker Phillip Marufu — extended the lead further with the third.
As the game wore on, Chapungu continued to pile on the pressure. Late goals from Arthur Chinda and Byron Mapiye sealed an emphatic victory, leaving no doubt about their dominance on the day.
The result not only strengthened their position at the top of the table but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Chapungu are serious contenders this season.
Despite their strong start, the team remains grounded. Assistant coach Moenda Muchingami was quick to stress the importance of staying focused and taking things one game at a time.
“What we are doing is taking it step by step but we are hoping to get as far as we possibly can without tasting defeat. This is a marathon, every point counts, every game is important but we are praying that we finish the season unbeaten,” said Muchingami.
His words reflect a cautious but determined mindset within the camp. While the idea of going through the season unbeaten is exciting, the team understands that there is still a long way to go.
Elsewhere in the league, Tongogara and Blanket Mine are also quietly building impressive campaigns of their own. Although they sit further down the table than Chapungu, both sides remain unbeaten and are well within reach of the top positions.
Blanket Mine occupies fifth place with 19 points, while Tongogara sits just below them in sixth place with 18 points. The gap between these teams and the leaders is still manageable, meaning the title race is far from over.
Blanket Mine, under the guidance of Luke Petros, have shown resilience throughout the season. Their matches have often been tightly contested, with the team relying on organisation and discipline to stay in games.
Over the weekend, however, they were held to a goalless draw by Supper Strikers in a lively Gwanda derby played at Phelandaba Stadium. While the result extended their unbeaten run, it also meant dropped points in a game they would have hoped to win.
Derby matches are often unpredictable, and this one was no exception. Both sides showed passion and determination, but neither could find the breakthrough.
Tongogara, on the other hand, have also been consistent, even if they have not always been as eye-catching as Chapungu. They have managed to avoid defeat so far, which is no small achievement in a competitive league where every team is fighting for results.
As the season progresses, their ability to turn draws into wins could prove crucial if they are to challenge for the title.
While the unbeaten teams are grabbing most of the headlines, other sides are also making moves of their own. Pre-season title favourites Kwekwe United, for example, appear to be finding their rhythm.
The former Premier Soccer League side secured a convincing 3-1 victory over West Nicholson at Baghdad Stadium, a result that pushed them up to second place on the table. However, they still trail Chapungu by six points, meaning they have work to do if they are to close the gap.
Kwekwe United’s experience could become an important factor as the season continues. Having played at a higher level, they know what it takes to compete for honours and will be hoping to use that knowledge to their advantage.
Meanwhile, one of the early surprises of the season, Grain Tigers, suffered a setback over the weekend. They lost 1-0 away to ZRP Gwanda in a result that many did not expect.
That defeat saw them drop to fourth place with 19 points, a reminder that consistency is key in a long season. Even teams that start strongly cannot afford to lose focus, as a single poor result can quickly affect their position on the table.
As things stand, the Central Region Soccer League is shaping up to be a tightly contested competition. While Chapungu have taken an early lead, the presence of other unbeaten teams and strong challengers means the race is still wide open.
For fans, this is exactly what makes football exciting — the uncertainty, the competition and the constant shifts in momentum. Each week brings new results, new stories and new possibilities.
For Chapungu, the challenge will be to maintain their high standards and stay ahead of their rivals. For Tongogara and Blanket Mine, the task is to keep their unbeaten runs intact while closing the gap at the top.
At the same time, teams like Kwekwe United and Grain Tigers will be looking to bounce back and stay in contention.
With many matches still to be played, the season is far from decided. But one thing is clear: the battle for the Central Region Soccer League title is well and truly underway.
And if the first 10 rounds are anything to go by, fans can expect plenty more twists and turns before a winner is crowned.
Results:
MSU 3-0 Vhembe Stars Academy, Shurugwi 0-0 Matobo, Shabanie 3-0 Dulibadzimu, ZRP Gwanda 1-0 Grain Tigers, Chapungu 5-0 FC Platinum U19, Kwekwe United 3-1 West Nicholson, Supper Strikers 0-0 Blanket Mine, Sabi Gold Mine 0-1 Tongogara.
