CSL race hots up

Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
THE Central Soccer League (CSL) race for promotion is nearing a photo finish, with none of the three clubs in contention for the title wanting to put a foot wrong.

Log leaders Nichrut ran riot on Wednesday, demolishing ZRP Gwanda 3–0 at Pelandaba Stadium, while Tongogara were also in a bullish mood, dispatching stubborn Makusha 2–0. The results mean Nichrut and Tongogara remain tied on 70 points.

Whawha, who were inactive in midweek, were awarded three points on a 3-0 score line over expelled Gwanda United and remain in third place with 68 points.

With two rounds of matches to go, Nichrut gaffer John Nyikadzino believes his side can hold on and claim the title and sole promotional ticket to the Castle Lager Premiership.

“This was a crucial win for us and one of the toughest hurdles. We are not yet there, but what is needed is the mental strength from the players so that we win the last two games and do the job for ourselves,” said Nyikadzino.

Tongogara coach Kelvin Maphosa said he will not give up the fight until the end.

“Of the remaining games, all we want is to claim maximum points so that we see where it goes. We still have faith and you never know in football, anything can happen and we shall take the fight to the end,” Maphosa said.

Whawha coach Luke Petros–Jukulile equally believes there is still all to play for despite his side being two points adrift of the log leaders. He is hoping both Nichrut and Tongogara drop points in their last two games and his side wins its remaining games.

Results

Wednesday: Makusha 0–2 Tongogara, Blanket Mine 3–0 Border Strikers, ZPC Munyati 3–0 Black Eagles, Gwanda United 0–3 Whawha, Telone 1–1

Vumbachikwe, MSU 2–1 Silo United, Chrome Stars 2–0 FC Platinum U19, Ivan Hoe 0–3 Kwekwe Stars, ZRP Gwanda 0–3 Nichrut.

Table
P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Nichrut    32    21    7    4    57    13    44    70
Tongogara     32    21    7    4    52    18    34    70
Whawha    32    20    8    4    46    13    33    68
ZPC Munyati    32    16    11    5    43    20    23    59
Ivan Hoe     32    17    7    8    48    24    24    58
Chrome Stars     31    14    10    7    37    23    14    52
MSU     32    12    11    9    37    25    12    47
Blanket Mine     32    11    13    8    29    23    6    46
TelOne     32    10    14    8    30    25    5    44
Vumbachikwe     32    11    11    10    38    41    -3    44
FC Platinum U19    32    11    9    12    40    33    7    42
Black Eagles     32    9    11    12    27    28    -1    38
Makusha     32    10    8    14    40    49    -9    38
ZRP Gwanda     32    10    7    15    38    43    -5    37
Border Strikers     32    8    5    19    15    51    -36    25
Silo United    31    4    9    18    23    51    -28    21
Kwekwe Stars     32    3    6    23    23    73    -50    11
Gwanda United     32    0    4    28    4    74    -70    4
— @lavuzigara1.