Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHINGWERE stunned Northern Region Soccer League leaders Black Rhinos 3-1 on Sunday to secure the remaining place in the Super Eight Cup semi-finals.
The victory completed the last-four line-up, with Chingwere joining Harare City, G&T Mining and Golden Eagles in the next round of the knockout competition.
Attention now shifts back to the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League, which resumes with Matchday 22 fixtures today and tomorrow.
Chingwere, who sit eighth with 29 points from 21 matches, host Black Mambas at Pfupajena tomorrow.
Rhinos will seek an immediate response when they entertain relegation-threatened Batanai at Commando Barracks on the same afternoon.
Despite their cup exit, Rhinos remain firmly in control of the promotion race. Chauya Chipembere lead the standings with 41 points, five ahead of Harare City and G&T Mining, who are tied on 36 points.
Harare City return to action today against MWOS Under-19 at Ngoni, while G&T Mining travel to Muriel Mine Stadium for tomorrow’s encounter against PAM.
Golden Eagles, who eliminated Ngezi Stars Under-19 on penalties, host CP Chemicals at Ellis Robins High School. Eagles occupy fifth position with 31 points, level with sixth-placed CP Chemicals.
Ngezi coach Farai Tawachera said his side had quickly turned its attention to the league after its cup elimination, with the development of young players remaining the club’s primary mandate.
“Our focus is now on the league and continuing to develop the players,” said Tawachera.
“Progressing in the cup would have given us more competitive matches and allowed the development process to continue, but we still have enough league games to work on the areas we want to improve.”
Ngezi Under-19 are fourth on the table with 33 points from 21 matches and host Rangers at Baobab tomorrow.
Although disappointed by the penalty shoot-out defeat to Golden Eagles, Tawachera was encouraged by the way his youthful side competed during regulation time.
“I will not concentrate on the fact that we lost on penalties. What makes me happy is that we gave Golden Eagles a good fight during regulation time,” said Tawachera.
Elsewhere, Cranborne Bullets travel to Chikangwe Stadium to face Karoi United, while Jumbo Giants host Banket United and Zambezi Gas and Coal entertain Chegutu Pirates.
