New boys under pressure

Tendai Chara

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE honeymoon is over for the new boys in the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League, and already some are feeling the heat.

Three of the five debutants stumbled again over the weekend, and the early signs are beginning to ask hard questions about who is ready for this level and who is not.

Only Chingwere and G&T Mining managed to keep their heads above water.

G&T Mining pulled off the result of the round, edging Chegutu Pirates 1-0 in a disciplined display that showed they might not just be here to make up numbers. Chingwere, who have quietly impressed since the season began, settled for a goalless draw against FC Foden, but they continue to look organised and difficult to break down.

The pressure is already building elsewhere.

Marere are in early trouble. Two games, two defeats, both by identical 2-1 scorelines, first against PAM at home, then away to Ngezi U19. They are scoring, yes, but they are leaking just as easily, and that is where their problems are starting to show.

Captain Bruce Gurure is trying to steady the ship.

“Remember, we only had three weeks to prepare. I think the coaches now have winning combinations.
“We are definitely going to win the next match,” said Gurure.

But in this league, patience is a luxury few can afford.

Highrange also found the going tough, gifting Golden Eagles their first win of the season in a narrow defeat that underlined how small the margins are at this level.

Elsewhere, the pace is not slowing. MWOS U19 turned up the pressure on CP Chemicals with a 2-1 win, while Black Rhinos edged Shamva 1-0 in a tight contest. Karoi United and Zambezi Gas and Coal cancelled each other out in a goalless draw, just as Batanai and Jumbo Giants did in the Mashonaland Central derby.

Harare City were also frustrated, held by a Rangers side under the guidance of Richard Katsande.

Up front, PAM are beginning to find rhythm.

Their 3-0 win over Cranborne Bullets means they now have five goals in two matches, and momentum is clearly building.

For Cranborne, it is a different story. Still winless, still searching.

Black Mambas joined the weekend’s big hitters with a convincing 3-1 win over Banket United, who are now staring at an early crisis after three defeats and a draw.

Seven rounds in, the table is already starting to split.