Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER five rounds of action in the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League, four teams are still searching for their first win in the campaign.
Banket United, Cranborne Bullets, CP Chemicals, and Rangers have all drawn a blank in the win column a sluggish start that has already seen them sink into the early relegation zone.
While it is still too early to write them off, the pressure is mounting on the quartet to stop the slide.
Among the win-less sides, Cranborne Bullets head coach Gift Muzire believes they will turn their fortunes.
“It’s a matter of time. We have been playing some good football,” said Muzire.
“Our major downfall has been utilising chances. We have been doing everything else correct except in front of goal. But now we are working round the clock to perfect that and make sure we score. We have to start winning, and we are hoping that on our away trip against G&C Mine we will manage to collect points.”
At the opposite end of the table, there was a significant shift at the summit. Harare City are back to the top of the log standings after title rivals PAM failed to secure maximum points on the road. Harare City edged visiting Karoi 3-0.
PAM were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Highrange, a result that allowed Harare City to reclaim pole position.
Highrange, one of the league’s promoted new boys, have managed just one win so far this season.
However, they are far from alone in that statistic. Eight other teams have also recorded only a single victory, including 11th-placed Zambezi G&C and Marere, who currently languish in 19th position.
That logjam in the mid-to-lower reaches of the table suggests the battle for survival could be even more gripping than the title race as the season progresses.
Highrange head coach Shepherd Nkata said he is delighted that his side is still improving against experienced sides.
“My guys are playing very well, and they are pushing well.”
“They are not experienced, but they are faring well against experienced guys, and it’s a matter of time before we start to collect maximum points,” said Nkata.
