Golden Glove race takes shape

Bruce Chikuni

THE race for the Castle Lager Premiership Golden Glove is heating up after 11 rounds of league games this season.

Manica Diamonds’ Geoffrey Chitsumba and Chicken Inn’s Donovan Bernard share the lead with seven clean sheets each.

Manica Diamonds, currently top the championship marathon with 22 points from 11 matches, leaving Chicken Inn trailing behind with five fewer points.

Bernard, the Warriors’ first-choice goalkeeper, is expected to be a dominant force in the Golden Glove race, while Chitsumba’s performance has come as a surprise to many. Nonetheless, Chitsumba has fought his way into the race, playing a significant role in Manica Diamonds’ seven wins with a goal margin this season.

The Gem Boys have undergone a remarkable turnaround, bouncing back from a rough start to their season and conquering their opposition. Much of the team’s success is attributed to coach Jairos Tapera’s resilience and Michael Tapera, who has scored five match-winning goals.

While Michael’s efforts have overshadowed Chitsumba’s, the goalkeeper has been an essential part of his team’s victories, with his defence remaining unbreached over their last five matches.

Credit is due to the team’s goalkeepers’ coach, Themba Sibanda, and Jairos believes his team’s defence is at the heart of their progress.

“We are where we are because of the defence; they are doing a brilliant job to keep the team firing.

“Coach Sibanda is doing exceptionally well in our goalkeeping department because it’s not easy to go for five games without conceding a goal.

“I’m very happy with the progress of Michael and Chitsumba; they are enjoying football and it is their moment to shine,” said Tapera.

“I also believe Farai Banda is not getting the attention he deserves because he has been brilliant this season.

“Defending a 1-0 win is not that easy and there is no room for errors, that’s what our defenders have been doing.”

Bernard is also making a name for himself, catching the attention of South Africa’s SuperSport United, who have expressed interest in making him their long-term keeper.

As the race for the Golden Glove heats up, both Bernard and Chitsumba will need to continue their dominant performances to secure the coveted prize.