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Midlands Correspondent
FORMER Premiership outfit Shabanie Mine got off to a positive start in the Zifa Central Soccer League by edging Division One returnees Jessie Mine 1-0 at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane on Sunday. The asbestos miners got the all important goal in the 38th minute through Erea Phiri. Shabanie Mine coach Tendai Chikuni said he would take each game as it comes, as he did not want to put himself and his charges under unnecessary pressure.
“We don’t want to put ourselves under pressure so we’re taking each game as it comes. If you ask everyone in Zvishavane, they will tell you that they want a return to the premiership but the road is bumpy and we therefore have to work extra hard,” said Chikuni.
“There are many teams, which are capable of running away with the title. We’ve to keep the faith and just like when a farmer plants, we expect to harvest at the end of the season.”
However, the victory was not enough for the Zvishavane boys to spring into pole position after the first round of matches, as debutants Nichrut were the biggest winners of the weekend after handing Kwekwe Sables a 5-0 hammering at Peak Stadium also in Zvishavane.
ZRP Gwanda were also out to a flier after dispatching Esigodini’s Habane Sharks 3-0 at Mpelela, while former Premiership outfit Whawha were held to a 2-2 draw away to ZPC Munyati. MSU were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Platinum Under-19. The Varsity Sharks, who are now coached by John Phiri, have also been touted as championship favourites.
Results
ZPC Munyati 2-2 Whawha, MSU 1-1 FC Platinum U19, Ivan Hoe 1-1 Tongogara, Habane Sharks 0-3 ZRP Gwanda, Shabanie Mine 1-0 Jessie Mine, Chrome Stars 1-0 Vumbachikwe, Gweru United 0-1
Blanket Mine, Nichrut 5-0 Kwekwe Sables, ZRP Beitbridge/NM Academy: (postponed)
Online Reporter