Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
ONLY four matches were played in the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League over the weekend, with the league programme taking a back seat as three of the leading sides were involved in the inaugural Zifa Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
Log leaders Hwange, second-placed Jordan Sinnott and Blackrock were all missing from league action as they pursued cup glory, leaving the remaining teams to battle it out in a reduced Match Day 24 programme.
The three matches played produced an entertaining weekend, with Nkayi edging Bulawayo Warriors 1-0, Bosso90 and Khami United sharing the spoils in a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Casmyn claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Victoria Falls Herentals.
Nkayi’s 1-0 victory over Bulawayo Warriors was a crucial result as both sides looked to strengthen their positions in the league, while Bosso90 and Khami United served up the weekend’s highest-scoring encounter in a six-goal thriller.
Casmyn also came away with maximum points after edging Victoria Falls Herentals 2-1 in another closely fought contest.
The absence of Hwange, Jordan Sinnott and Blackrock was necessitated by their participation in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, where all three Southern Region sides were handed difficult assignments.
Hwange’s cup adventure came to an end after they were beaten 2-0 by FC Hunters at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva. The league leaders had made a strong impression in the competition before their elimination and can nevertheless take pride in reaching the latter stages.
Jordan Sinnott also bowed out after a bruising encounter with Premier Soccer League opposition.
They were hammered 5-1 by title-chasing Hardrock at Luveve Stadium, with the Kwekwe-based side showing their top-flight quality to comfortably progress.
Blackrock suffered a similar fate to Hwange, going down 2-0 to FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
Despite their defeats, the three teams can look back on their Munhumutapa campaigns with pride after proving that Southern Region clubs can compete against established Premiership opposition.
The cup commitments also mean the Southern Region league table could undergo some interesting changes once the outstanding fixtures involving the leading sides are eventually played.
Hwange remain at the summit and will be keen to quickly turn their attention back to the league after their cup disappointment, while Jordan Sinnott and Blackrock will also be looking to resume their push near the top.
For now, though, the focus returns to the Southern Region championship, where every remaining point could prove valuable as the race for promotion gathers momentum.
Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League Match Day 24 results
Zebra Revolution 0 – 0 Zimbabwe Saints, Nkayi 1-0 Bulawayo Warriors, Bosso90 3-3 Khami United, Casmyn 2-1 Victoria Falls Herentals
—@FungaiMuderere
