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Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLACK RHINOS have shaken off a sluggish start to roar back into the Northern Region Soccer League title race and coach Weddington Chinyan’anya says the soldiers now need to double down on consistency to stay in the hunt.
After drawing their first four games, Chauya Chipembere are finally finding their rhythm, having picked up back-to-back wins to climb to within just two points of leaders N’ombeyawora.
They edged Ngezi Platinum Under-19s 2-1 at Gwanzura on Sunday, with Ignatious Mavende and Guidance Charinga on target, just days after beating Trojan Stars 1-0 away in Bindura.
Now sitting on 10 points from six outings, the army side remains unbeaten but knows there’s no room for error in a title chase shaping up to be one of the fiercest in years.
“This is a competitive league with very fine margins in almost every game,” said Chinyan’anya. “If you drop points, there are several teams right behind you who can pounce and overtake. That’s how tight it is.
“Winning two on the trot is good but what we need now is consistency. I’m happy the combinations are starting to gel. Remember, we are a completely new team and had to work on understanding and cohesion.
“It’s coming together well, which is a massive step in the right direction. But in the Northern Region Soccer League, you underestimate any opponent at your peril. The gap between top and bottom is minimal, so we must always bring our A-game. Complacency leads to regret, so we need those seat belts fastened as the season intensifies.”
Meanwhile, N’ombeyawora reclaimed top spot, on goal difference, after Zambezi G&C slipped up against Banket United. But coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera is also feeling the pressure after his side registered a second straight draw, held 0-0 by Mabvuku rivals Ali Sundowns.
That stalemate followed a 1-1 midweek draw with fast improving Chinhoyi Rangers, who now sit third with 10 points level with Black Rhinos and just two adrift of the summit.
Weekend Results
Chegutu Pirates 1–2 Trojan Stars
Ali Sundowns 0–0 N’ombeyawora
Agama 2–1 Golden Eagles
Chinhoyi Rangers 2–0 Karoi United
Banket United 1–0 Zambezi G&C
Cranborne Bullets 1–0 MWOS U19
Harare City 2–0 PAM
Black Rhinos 2–1 Ngezi U19
FC Oden 1–2 Shamva Mine
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