dyton mupawaenda
Cutworth Masango
IT continues to be a fascinating race for the Northern Region Soccer League championship with the battle for promotion taking yet another twist after the midweek round of fixtures on Wednesday.
Ambitious MWOS reclaimed the top spot after weeks of being in second place as they became the only team in the top five to claim victory.
Interestingly all but one of the leading clubs in the title race were on the road on Wednesday and Lloyd Mutasa’s men emerged 1-0 winners over PAM at Muriel Mine.
Wisdom Mutasa, who has been flourishing under the watchful eye of his father Lloyd, found the goal that took MWOS back to the top early in the first half.
“It was a tough game, it’s difficult to come out with maximum points but we managed. We still need to work hard and keep on pushing for us to remain on the top,” said MWOS assistant coach Joseph ‘Shaba’ Takaringofa.
“But we just take each game as it comes and make sure that we push to the line. The other good thing is on the players’ side they are pushing so hard in terms of performance and they are competing among themselves to improve.
“And the availability of Everson Feremba and Malvin Mudzuka has given the team an edge in terms of depth,” Takaringofa said.
Black Rhinos, who led the standings ahead of the Wednesday games were stunned 1-0 by Karoi United at Chikangwe.
The surprise defeat saw the soldiers slide from the top spot into third with 49 points and two behind MWOS.
But for coach Nesbert ‘Yabo’ Saruchera it’s still game on as he feels there is still a lot to play for.
“Karoi wanted it more than us and they managed to get the result,” said Saruchera. Of course, it was a bad day for us, the boys did not click well in defending, and attacking, and the build-up could not materialise.
“But now we need to compose ourselves and make sure that we come back quickly.
“We simply have to rise again and we will. Remember we have 15 games to go so it’s about 45 points to play for and it’s game on,’’ he said.
Harare City who eased into second place, courtesy of superior goal difference over Rhinos were the only top team to have played at home but they were restricted to a 1-1 draw by Norton Community’s bunch of rookies at Mkushi Academy grounds.
Flamboyant Scottland travelled to Baobab for a date with Ngezi Under-19 and had seemed on course for a win on the road when veteran defender Lincoln Zvasiya scored.
But the hosts fought back through Gerald Bhoko to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Scottland are now on 47 points while resurgent AGAMA, who have been steadily climbing up the ladder are in fifth place and six points adrift of the fourth-placed team.
Online Reporter