Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign has produced 465 goals after 27 rounds.
The domestic top-flight league programme now makes way for the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup this weekend.
An average of more than 17 goals per round have been scored in the league championship race so far this season.
At the top of the scoring charts is Hardrock striker Washington Navaya, who leads the race with 15 goals after Week 27.
Navaya’s exploits have been central to Hardrock’s remarkable debut Premiership campaign.
Behind him are Dynamos’ Frank Agyemang, Herentals’ Ralph Kawondera and Scottland’s Khama Billiat, all on 11 goals.
Scottland’s attacking strength is further underlined by Knowledge Musona, who has 10 goals, while Walter Musona has contributed nine.
MWOS forward Wilson Mensha has eight, while Hardrock’s Wilfred Madzunga, Highlanders’ Benjamin Adeogun and Simba Bhora’s Harrison Masina have seven apiece.
Players from virtually every corner of the Premiership have found the net, with the Week 27 statistics showing a broad spread of attacking talent.
In the three-goal bracket are players such as Agama’s Grey Kufandada and Ralph Nyamapurika, Bulawayo Chiefs’ Anesu Saiti and Clive Rupiya, Caps United’s Allen Mukombedzi, Kudzanai Chigwida and Chris Mugalu, as well as Dynamos’ Abel Gwatidzo and Leeroy Mavhunga.
Hardrock also feature prominently, with Sambulo Semelane and Donald Mudadi on three goals, while FC Hunters have Godfrey Dabgwa, Ellie Iunga and Tadiwanashe Huni among those in the same bracket.
The two-goal list is equally extensive.
All that firepower will now be tested in a different environment as the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup takes centre stage.
The knockout competition has already provided some memorable giant-killing acts, with lower-league sides showing that the gap between them and Premiership opposition can be bridged on any given day.
Hwange stunned Dynamos 1-0 and Blackrock eliminated Highlanders on penalties.
For the Premiership clubs, the challenge will be avoiding the kind of upsets that have characterised the competition so far.
For the lower-league outfits, the Cup presents another opportunity to test themselves against the country’s established giants.
The spotlight will particularly fall on Navaya.
Hardrock’s cup assignment against Jordan at Luveve on Sunday could, therefore, provide another opportunity for the prolific striker to add to his impressive tally.
Munhumutapa Cup Weekend Fixtures
Saturday
FC Hunters vs Hwange (Wadzanayi)
FC Platinum vs Blackrock (Mandava)
Chilli vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Ascot)
Scottland vs MWOS Under 19 (Rufaro)
Sunday
Triangle v Blanket Mine (Gibbo)
Jordan vs Hardrock (Luveve)
CAPS United v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
