Wenslus Murape
Onward Gangata in Gweru
KWEKWE United moved five points clear at the top of the Central Region Soccer League that log table following a slender 1-0 win over city rivals Wangu Mazodze City, over the weekend.
The crucial win also helps Kwekwe to strengthen their bid to end a 16-year wait for a return of top-flight football in the Midlands City.
Lancashire Steel were the last team from Kwekwe to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in 2008.
Now coach Prince Matore and his side outfit have given hope of the elite game in Kwekwe.
Kwekwe United have been in superb form this season going toe to toe with the league’s best teams.
The Blues, as Kwekwe United are affectionately known, are perched at the summit of the log standings with 38 points from 18 matches.
Second placed Tongogara, who were inactive this past week are on 33 points while former Premiership side Chapungu are third on 32 points with both teams having played a game less.
Matore took over the reins at Kwekwe United at the beginning of the season and has transformed them into title contenders.
The former Motor Action and Chicken Inn coach reckoned that the victory over Wangu Mazodze City was the right tonic that his side needed at this delicate stage of the season.
“We created a lot of chances and we missed them, so I just told the boys to be composed, what is important is to keep fighting until the end.
“We got that one goal, it was good enough for the team to win and good motivation for the boys,”” Matore said.
Matore, however, warned against getting too excited about sitting at the top.
He feels they now need to be focused for the rest of the campaign having already laid down the marker for the rest of the teams in the race for promotion.
“We have to focus on each game as it comes because we can’t talk much about the championship as there are a lot of games to come.
“All these upcoming games are difficult because now we are the team to beat, so it’s not going to be easy,” he added.
Matore lauded his charges for their handwork and mental fortitude.
“It’s all about hard work and mental strength, those two things can help to be a better player.
“It’s also about our character, we cannot complain all the time but we must have the right attitude and try to bring about results”.
While Kwekwe United were enjoying a fine outing, pre-season favourites, Sheasham suffered another setback in their quest for an instant return to the Premiership with a 1-0 away loss to Dinson Mvuma.
The Construction boys remain fourth on the standings, seven points behind the log leaders.
Results:
Dulibadzimu 2-0 Beitbridge
Shabanie 2-0 FC Platinum U19
West Nicholson 0-ZRP Gwanda
Bishopstone 1-2 MSU
Blanket Mine v Black Eagles (Match Abandoned)
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