admin
By Onward Gangata in Gweru and Curtworth Masango in Harare
KWEKWE United coach Prince Matore has played down talk that his side are favourites to win the sole ticket of promotion into the Premier Soccer League (PSL), saying it’s still anyone’s race.
The Kwekwe side have been in impressive form, especially in the second half of the season.
They currently occupy the top spot in the Zifa Central Region Soccer League with 52 points, five more than second-placed Tongogara.
The Airforce of Zimbabwe side Chapungu are third on the standings with 43 points.
The gold boys as Kwekwe United are affectionately known dispatched Bishopstone 2-0 at Muchato Stadium on Sunday.
But Matore insists they are not favourites despite enjoying a healthy lead at the top.
The former Chicken Inn mentor feels, the race for promotion is very much wide open and sees former Premiership sides Tongogara and Chapungu as potential threats.
“We have three teams still in the race together with us,” he told the Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“Tongogara and Chapungu are still in there, Sheasham also have a mathematical chance, so it’s anyone’s game we can’t say we are favourites.
“Of course, we have played almost all the teams in the race save for Chapungu, which puts us in a good position. Chapungu and Tongogara are yet to play each other, while Sheasham and Tongogara will also face each other,” he added.
While the gold boys have what appears a healthy lead at the top, the other sides in the race have outstanding matches which could narrow the gap between them and the leaders should they win those matches.
Tongogara have one game in hand while Chapungu have two, but, that is not causing Matore any headaches.
Instead, his focus is on keeping his charges motivated and prepared for a grueling end to the title race.
“Our opponents have a game in hand but that’s not an issue for us because it does not translate to points in hand. What matters is that we should continue to have the zeal and hunger for success for the remainder of the season,” said the former Motor Action defender.
In other matches played over the weekend, Piniel Gumbo’s solitary goal for Chapungu was enough to see off Max Ruza’s Blanket Mine in Gwanda.
Tongogara trounced Dulibadzimu 4-0 at the Battlefields grounds.
Fourth-placed Sheasham got the better of Beitbridge FC winning 2-0 at the Bata Stadium on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Region, FC Wangu Mazodze are convinced that they embody the aspirations of Masvingo’s entire football community as they strive for an inaugural top-flight appearance.
Mazodze are at the top of the Eastern Region Soccer League standings, enjoying a 13-point cushion over second-placed Triangle. As the season nears its conclusion, they seem to coast and their position appears unassailable.
After match day 21, Mazodze have only lost a single game drawing three games and winning 16. They have amassed a total of 51 points.
Club chairman, Trevor Chateuka said they have made the right decisions in their technical team that has brought in the right players.
“The team’s performance and results indicate we’ve made the right decisions.
“The technical team’s expertise and player selection have been instrumental in our success. Our squad boasts a perfect blend of youthful energy and experienced players, all eager to become champions,” he said.
Chateuka is confident that they will be in the Premier Soccer League come the end of the season and they are excited about the idea of bringing back football to the city of Masvingo.
“I’m confident we’ll compete at the top level because we have an experienced coach and players who have previously played in the top flight. They know what it takes to succeed at that level and are well-equipped to handle the competition.
“The people of Masvingo are embracing the project with open arms, ending a drought of over 10 years without Premier Soccer League action in the town. The excitement is palpable, with football enthusiasts rallying behind the team and eagerly anticipating the return of high-calibre soccer to their community,” he said.
Central Region Results
ZRP Gwanda 2-0 Black Eagles, Tongogara 4-0 Dulibadzimu United, Blanket Mine 0-1 Chapungu,
Shabanie Mine 0-0 Dinson Mvuma, Bishopstone 0-2 Kwekwe United, Sheasham 2-0 Beitbridge FC
FC Platinum U19 2-2 West Nicholson, Wangu Mazodze City 2-0 Gokwe North
Zifa Central Region Soccer League
Log standings
P W D L F A GD Pts
Kwekwe Utd 24 15 7 2 34 9 25 52
Tongogara 23 13 8 2 32 12 20 47
Chapungu 22 13 4 5 34 8 26 43
Sheasham 24 10 10 4 44 13 31 40
Dulibadzimu Utd 24 10 9 5 29 18 11 39
ZRP Gwanda 24 8 13 3 22 13 9 37
Blanket Mine 22 9 7 6 24 13 11 34
West Nicholson 23 9 7 8 27 24 3 34
Shabanie Mine 23 9 5 9 26 32 -6 32
Dinson Mvuma 24 6 13 5 20 20 0 31
FCPlatinum U19 23 9 4 10 27 28 -1 31
Mazodze City 24 6 9 11 18 21 -3 27
Beitbridge 24 5 8 11 18 32 -14 23
Bishopstone 23 5 5 13 20 43 -23 20
Gpkwe North 24 4 6 13 18 45 -27 18
MSU 24 4 6 15 18 44 -26 16
Black Eagles 22 2 3 17 8 44 -36 9
Online Reporter