Sheasham set the pace at CRSL halfway mark

Onward Gangata, Zimpapers Sports Hub

SHEASHAM will head into the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) mid-season break with a commanding six point lead and an unbeaten record that underlines their championship credentials.

The former Premiership side edged Shabanie Mine 3-2 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday, surviving a late comeback to wrap up the first half of the season with 45 points from 17 matches. It’s a perfect springboard for the second stanza of the campaign, where promotion ambitions start to take sharper focus.

Their nearest rivals, Hardrock, stayed within reach following a clinical 2-0 win over Dulibadzimu on Sunday, taking their tally to 39 points.

But for Sheasham coach Prince Matore, the position at the top brings more pressure than comfort.

“Being on top at halfway makes it more difficult because everyone will be after us,” Matore said. “The second round will be hard. We’re now the team to beat, and everyone will be coming at us.”

Matore hinted at reinforcements during the break, especially after watching his side concede two late goals.

“We definitely need to add a few players. I’m sure my defenders saw how Shabanie kept coming at us to get those two goals. It shows we have to stay vigilant in all departments,” he said.

The CRSL will officially pause for a month after this weekend’s rescheduled fixtures. In a statement released yesterday, the league said the break is designed to help clubs settle outstanding financial obligations.

“The Region is pleased to inform you that the first half of the 2025 season will conclude on Sunday, 13 July 2025,” reads a circular sent to clubs. “We kindly request all clubs with outstanding fines and affiliation fees to clear their debts on or before 31 July 2025 to remain in good standing with the Association. Please be advised that all league games will resume on Saturday, 9 August 2025.”

Weekend Results

Gwanda Pirates 0–0 Chapungu, Gokwe North 1–1 Tongogara, Blanket Mine 2–1 ZRP Gwanda, Grain Tigers 0–0 MSU, Jame West 1–2 West Nicholson, Hardrock 2–0 Dulibadzimu, Matobo 2–0 Bishopstone,

CRSL Standings at Mid-Season

Team P W D L F A GD Pts

Sheasham171430408+32 45

Hardrock171232227+15 39

G Pirates 16 9 5 2 18 7 +11 2

D’dzimu 16 9 3 4 17 12 +5 30

Chapungu 16 7 6 3 25 9 +16 7

Tongogara 17 7 5 5 19 14 +5 26

ZRP G’nda 17 6 7 4 15 16 -1 25

Matobo 16 7 3 6 14 23 -9 24

Grain Tigers 16 5 6 5 12 9 +3 21

Platinum 16 5 5 6 15 13 +2 20 Blanket 17 4 7 6 11 11 0 19