Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
MIDLANDS State University FC are yet to take to the field in this year’s ZIFA Central Region Soccer League following the postponement of their opening two fixtures, which had been deferred due to the team’s participation in the recently concluded Zimbabwe Universities Sports Association (ZUSA) Games held in Bulawayo.
The students were initially scheduled to open their campaign against Kwekwe United, before their second fixture against West Nicholson also failed to take place, leaving them the only side still waiting to kick off as the league gathered momentum while they were on university duty.
Elsewhere, the season has already burst into life, producing 28 goals across the opening two match days, with Shabanie Mine FC setting the early pace after collecting six points from their first two outings.
The opening round offered an early taste of the competitiveness expected this season. Chapungu and Blanket Mine played to a goalless draw, while Shabanie Mine announced their intentions with a solid 2–0 victory over Super Strikers.
Tongogara and Vhembe Stars Academy shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, as Sabi Gold Mine edged past ZRP Gwanda 2–0. Dulibadzimu United began with a 2–1 win over Shurugwi, while the Johannes Ngodzo led Gwanda Pirates were held to a 0–0 draw by FC Platinum Under-19. Good Morning recorded a convincing 2–0 win against Matobo, with West Nicholson narrowly overcoming Grain Tigers 1–0, while MSU FC’s clash with Kwekwe United was postponed. Matchday two brought heightened anticipation, particularly the eagerly awaited Gwanda derby between Super Strikers and Gwanda Pirates, a fiercely contested encounter that ended goalless. Chapungu registered their first win of the season with a 2–0 victory over Vhembe Stars Academy, while Shurugwi and Tongogara shared the points in a 1–1 draw. Matobo also opened their account by beating Sabi Gold Mine 2–1, as Kwekwe United claimed a narrow 1–0 win over ZRP Gwanda. Blanket Mine secured a 2–0 victory against Dulibadzimu United.
Shabanie Mine continued their impressive start by extending their winning run with a 2–0 away triumph over FC Platinum Under-19, while Grain Tigers handed Good Morning their first defeat of the campaign, winning 2–0.
Saturday Fixtures
Matobo FC vs Grain Tigers FC (Minda High Stadium); West Nicholson VS Super Strikers FC (Phelandaba Stadium); Sabi Gold Mine vs Vhembe Stars Academy FC (Sabi Mine Stadium); Dulibadzimu FC vs Good Morning FC (Dulibadzimu Stadium);
Tongogara FC vs FC Platinum U19 (Tongogara Stadfium);
Sunday Fixtures
Kwekwe United vs Gwanda Pirates (Baghdad Stadium); Chapungu FC vs ZRP Gwanda (Ascot Stadium); habanie Mine FC vs Blanket Mine FC (Maglass Stadium); Shurugwi FC vs MSU FC (Makusha Stadium)
