Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
BEITBRIDGE becomes the epicentre of football fireworks this afternoon, as Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) title contenders Sheasham FC and Dulibadzimu United go head to head in a match that could tilt the title race. With Hardrock FC breathing down Sheasham’s neck and Bishopstone lurking in the wings, the midweek showdown could redraw the championship picture.
The battle for top spot is set to intensify, with Sheasham visiting Dulibadzimu Stadium and Bishopstone hosting second placed Hardrock FC in another high stakes Week 12 encounter.
Tomorrow will see a single fixture, with Gwanda Pirates set to clash with Gokwe North FC at Phelandaba Stadium.
On Matchday 11, Sheasham FC maintained their impressive form with a commanding 5–0 thrashing of MSU FC at Bata Stadium in a low key Gweru derby. Ayanda Ncube and Wilfred Manzungu scored a brace apiece, while Roy Useni completed the rout. The “Construction Boys” now sit atop the table with 29 points.
Hot on their heels are Hardrock FC with 28 points, after securing a gritty 2–1 away victory against Blanket Mine FC in Gwanda. Their steely defender, Munyaradzi “Diro” Nyenye, initially conceded a penalty that gave Blanket an early lead, but redeemed himself with two crucial goals, including a thunderous free kick, to seal the comeback win.
Gwanda Pirates bounced back to form, defeating Jame West 1–0 at Maglass Stadium, while Tongogara FC climbed to fifth position following a narrow 1–0 win over Dinson Mvuma FC, courtesy of a Simon Shanga strike.
As the league marathon hits full stride, Matchday 12 presents a pivotal stretch in the race for top honours. Fixture congestion and rising pressure are beginning to test squad depth and mental strength.
Dulibadzimu United, Rutherford Matondo remains undaunted ahead of today’s showdown with the log leaders.
“We have been waiting for this game. It doesn’t matter that Sheasham is on top of the log. I’m not looking at whether it’s a big name team or a small team. We are treating each game as usual. I have a game plan for every match we play. As a coach, I want to win this game and continue grinding results as we compete for the league honours,” said Matondo.
On the other bench, Sheasham FC coach Prince Matore acknowledged the intensity of the schedule.
“It is a difficult phase where you play weekend and midweek, but that’s football. We have to try and manage the situation such that we play all the games. There is no easy game in the league, it’s a tough match ahead.”
Hardrock FC gaffer Calvin Maphosa and Tongogara coach Knowledge Muzerengi, also expressed confidence in their sides’ readiness for the crunch fixtures, emphasising the need for mental resilience during this critical phase.
With early pace setters Sheasham, Hardrock, and Gwanda Pirates all collecting points on Matchday 11, the midweek fixtures carry added weight. One slip could open the door for others in what is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested CRSL campaigns in recent years.
Fixtures
Today
Grain Tigers v Blanket Mine (Mbizo), Bishopstone v Hardrock (Muchato), Chapungu v Jame West FC (Ascot, MSU v FC Platinum Under-19 (MSU), Dulibadzimu United v Sheasham (Dulibadzimu), ZRP Gwanda v Matobo (Long John Stadium), Tongogara v Shabanie (Tongogara), West Nicholson v Dinson Mvuma (Phelandaba)
Tomorrow
Gwanda Pirates v Gokwe North (Phelandaba)
