Mambas, Harare City win as PSL ticket battle hots up

Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter

ZIFA Northern Region Division One League championship rivals Black Mambas and Harare City were both victorious at the weekend as the battle for a Premiership ticket reaches the closing stages.

Harare City had one of the biggest test when they faced Herentals Under-20 at Motor Action last Friday and emerged 1-0 winners with Mathew Hlabati getting the solitary goal.

Log leaders Warumwa Warumwa also had a 1-0 win away to Omnia at Kuwadzana on Saturday as they restored a six-point lead.

Proud Khumalo got the all-important goal and coach John “Toto” Ncube praised his players for their focus and determination to win the league title.

“We have a group of focused players who are really determined to make history for the club and themselves,” Ncube said.

“Yes the target is on winning the title but we are not getting carried away because we are not there yet. There is still a lot of work to be done. Our focus at the moment is taking game by game until we get to the end. The competition in the league is very stiff and we have a chasing pack that is also determined to get to the top position. But I would want to give credit to my players for working very hard this season to be where we are at the moment,” said Ncube. Chegutu Pirates continued with their impressive run by beating Ngezi Platinum Stars U-19 2-0 away at Baobab stadium while Golden Eagles edged Shamva Mine 1-0 at Shamva Mine stadium with captain Tatenda Hapazari getting the goal.

Goals from veteran Chris Semakweri and Arthur Banda saw MWOS end Karoi United’s good run with a 2-0 win at Chikangwe stadium while ZRP Harare and Banket United shared spoils in a 1-1 draw at Morris Depot stadium.

Trojan Stars got three points on a 3-0 scoreline in a walkover victory over Concession United who were booted out of the league for not fulfilling fixtures with Come Again being held to a goalless draw at home by Commando Bullets.

Meanwhile violence has escalated in the Division One Leagues with Lloyd Mutasa reportedly hit by a stone in MWORS’ win over Karoi United at Chikangwe.

Northern Region Results

Today: Harare City 1, Herentals 0, Ngezi Platinum Stars U-19 0, Chegutu Pirates 2; Shamva Mine 0, Golden Eagles 1; Karoi United 0, MWOS 2; Chinhoyi Stars 0, PAM 0; Omnia 0, Black Mambas 1; Concession United 0, Trojan Stars 3; ZRP Harare 1, Banket United 1; Come Again 0, Commando Bullets 0.

Northern Region Log

P W D L F A Pts

Black Mambas 28 17 9 2 31 7 60

Harare City 28 15 9 4 31 13 54

Chegutu Pirates 28 14 11 3 23 8 53

MWOS 28 12 12 4 38 16 48

Herentals U-20 28 13 8 7 27 15 47

Golden Eagles 28 12 10 6 35 21 46

Trojan Star 28 12 9 7 33 19 45

Ngezi Platinum U-19 28 10 7 11 23 20 37

Banket United 28 9 10 9 22 22 37

Karoi United 28 9 9 10 23 29 36