Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League crossed the 400-goal milestone this weekend as Week 26 delivered 25 goals and a wave of drama across the country. The tally now stands at 404, with title contenders and relegation fighters all making bold statements.
At Baobab, Yadah and Ngezi Platinum Stars served up a five-goal thriller that ended 3-2 to the former champions. The Miracle Boys fought hard but couldn’t stop Ngezi from tightening their grip on third place.
Elsewhere, ex-Warriors captain Knowledge Musona netted his first goal in Scottland colours in their 3-1 win over Herentals College. Tymon Machope and Terrence Dzvukamanja were also on target, while Ralph Kawondera scored the students’ consolation.
At Ascot, league top scorer Washington Navaya struck his 13th goal of the season for TelOne, but it wasn’t enough as Chicken Inn claimed a 2-1 win through a Brian Muza brace. The Gamecocks, still grieving the loss of their former star
Tendai “Fire” Ndoro, dedicated the victory to him. It was their first triumph at Ascot and lifted them to 30 points, just two behind Highlanders.
In Bikita, Pieter De Jongh marked his official return to the Highlanders dugout with a 2-1 away win over Bikita Minerals. Nigerian forward Benjamin Oluwaritimi Adeogun opened his account from the penalty spot before Reason Sibanda doubled the lead. Soon after the final whistle, De Jongh made his intentions clear with a social media post:
“The Champ is back.” The result ended Bosso’s five game winless run.
In Harare, Dynamos continued their late revival under Kelvin Kaindu. Goals from Jaison Kasondo and Temptation Chiwunga sealed a 2-0 win over GreenFuel at Rufaro. Despite still sitting second from bottom with 25 points, DeMbare have not lost since Kaindu’s arrival and are now only three points from safety.
At Mandava, CAPS United stunned FC Platinum 1-0 to hand the former champions only their third loss of the campaign. Makepekepe moved to 31 points, while Pure Platinum Play stayed sixth on 40.
Table toppers Simba Bhora cemented their lead with a 3-1 victory against basement side Kwekwe United. Joel Luphahla’s men have lost just once in their last five games and remain on 53 points, one clear of second placed Scottland.
MWOS stayed level on 43 points with Ngezi Platinum Stars after a 1-1 draw with Manica Diamonds, though they trail on goal difference.
ZPC Kariba also celebrated at home, edging Triangle 1-0 in Kariba.
-@FungaiMuderere
