Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLACK Rhinos captain Ben Ndembe has challenged his teammates to remain focused and maintain their momentum after the army side surged to the top of the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League standings following a convincing 3-0 victory over fellow uniformed forces side, Black Mambas.
Ndembe was the standout performer in last Friday’s encounter, producing an influential display that earned him the Man of the Match accolade as Chauya Chipembere moved to 30 points from 16 matches, one point ahead of second-placed Harare City.
The former Premiership side, relegated in 2022, are seeking an immediate return to the topflight after narrowly missing out in previous campaigns.
Speaking after the match, Ndembe expressed satisfaction with his performance but insisted the team’s collective ambition remained paramount.
“I am delighted with my performance and receiving the Man of the Match award, but the most important thing is that the team won and managed to go to the top of the table,” said Ndembe.
“It gives us confidence, but we know there is still a long way to go. We want to continue performing well and maintain this form because our objective is to fight for promotion.”
The Rhinos skipper said consistency would be key as the title race intensifies.
“We have to keep working hard and remain humble. Every game is important and we want to continue collecting points. We know what promotion means to this club and its supporters, so we have to keep pushing,” he said.
Attention now turns to Matchday 17 where Black Rhinos travel to Pfupajena Stadium tomorrow to face eighth-placed G&T Mine, who are only seven points behind the leaders.
Ndembe expects another stern examination.
“There are no easy matches in Division One. We have to prepare well and approach the game with the same seriousness and determination we showed in our last match,” he said.
“Being top of the table does not mean anything if you fail to maintain your standards. We are fully focused on the next game.”
Meanwhile, the battle for the sole Premiership ticket continues to gather momentum.
Second-placed Harare City, who trail Rhinos by a single point, host sixth-placed Cranborne Bullets at Callies Sports Club today, while third-placed Golden Eagles entertain PAM at Muriel Mine Stadium.
Fourth-placed Ngezi Stars Under-19 travel to Pfupajena Stadium to face Chingwere FC in another encounter with significant implications at the top end of the table.
Elsewhere, Banket United host Chegutu Pirates at Kuwadzana Stadium, High Range welcome Zambezi G&C to Gwanzura Stadium, Karoi United take on CP Chemicals at Chikangwe Stadium, while Shamva Mine face Black Mambas at Shamva Mine Stadium.
At the foot of the table, struggling Marere entertain Jumbo Giants at Rimuka Stadium as teams continue battling to avoid relegation.
With just one point separating the top two sides, the race for promotion remains finely poised, and Ndembe believes Black Rhinos must continue taking each game as it comes if they are to finally end their four-year absence from the Premiership.
