Chronicle EditorRicky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
JOHN Nyikadzino set a personal record when he led Gweru-based Central Region Soccer League side Sheasham FC to the title and premier soccer league (PSL) promotion as he went for 26 games without tasting defeat.
Sheasham were crowned champions in style on Sunday, exiting the CRSL with a bang as they clobbered Loss Control FC 5-1 at Mandava Stadium. Sheasham had two players – Liberty Masveure and Nigel Mpinduki – getting a brace each, with McDonald Mavhuto also on target.
The victory meant that Sheasham wrapped their campaign with 60 points, three ahead of second placed former PSL side TelOne who forced the championship to be decided at the wire.
Nyikadzino celebrated his third CRSL title having guided Chapungu in 2013 and Nichrut in 2017.
While praising his charges for their resilience in the title race, Nyikadzino is aware that they need to reinforce their squad for next season.
“Credit to the boys for all the good work that they have done by winning us the promotion. It was a tight race and after missing promotion in 2019, they really fought hard for this championship.
“Right now we’re still celebrating our promotion, but we will have to sit down and plan for the Premier Soccer League. We want to go into the Premiership to compete and not just to make up numbers and be relegated within a season. This means we have to look at areas that need reinforcement,” said Nyikadzino.
Sheasham have a number of former PSL players in their squad whose experience came in handy in the CRSL championship. Some of the notable players that were key in Sheasham’s promotion are former national Under-20 midfielder Pride Ziwengwa, ex-Bantu Rovers defender David Mangezi, utility player Tatenda Mapiye and former Chicken Inn winger Physwell Madhazi, as well as veteran goalkeeper Liberty Chirava.
Meanwhile, TelOne edged third placed Vubachikwe 1-0 in Gweru while Chapungu made a strong finish as they beat Kwekwe United 1-0 to end the season on position four with 44 points.
CRSL results
Saturday: MSU 0-0 Bishopstone
Sunday: Chapungu 1-0 Kwekwe United, Dulibadzimu 4-0 Paramount, TelOne 1-0 Vubachikwe, Filabusi United 0-3 FC Platinum Under-19, Loss Control 1-5 Sheasham, Tongogara 0-1 ZPC Munyati
— @ZililoR
Online Reporter