Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
SHEASHAM made a statement of intent in the Central Region Soccer League title chase with a ruthless 5-0 rout of James West FC at Bata Stadium on Saturday, underlining why they sit on top of the log.
Star striker Wilfred Manzungu tore through the visitors’ defence with a clinical hat-trick, striking in the 29th, 35th and 59th minutes. Lucky Vundhla and Fradrick Muza added to the tally as the Construction Boys stretched their goal difference and strengthened their grip on first place.
They have now taken maximum points in all three of their second round fixtures on the pitch, plus an awarded win from the cancelled Bishopstone FC match, keeping their six-point cushion intact.
Hot on their heels, Hardrock FC secured a narrow but vital 1-0 win over Dinson Mvuma in Mvuma. Benedict Sithole’s 10th-minute strike proved enough, though the miners squandered several golden chances through Divine Zulu, Justin Kaunda, Blessing Sibanda and Sithole. Their defensive steel has become a trademark, with four clean sheets in as many games in the second round.
Despite dominating possession, Hardrock couldn’t add to their lead, much to the frustration of assistant coach Rutherford Matondo.
“We missed a lot of chances, we could have easily won the game by four to five goals but our strikers lack character in front of goal, they need to have predatory instincts. Our plan was to score early, within the first 25 minutes, but it didn’t materialise. We made tactical changes going forward in search of goals, but again, we failed to convert,” said Matondo.
Third placed Gwanda Pirates also stayed in the hunt with a hard fought 1-0 win over Tongogara at Mbizo. Substitute Ntokoziso Matshazi came off the bench to fire the decisive strike, condemning Tongogara to a third straight defeat. Coach Knowledge Muzerengi insisted his side will keep pushing for that elusive win.
Elsewhere, West Nicholson bounced back from last week’s disappointment with a 3-1 victory over Grain Tigers at Phelandaba. Blessing Mambo, Munyaradzi Chirikure, and Dereck Masuku were on target, while Notah Namatai netted Tigers’ consolation in their first loss under Tendai Chikuni.
Matobo and Gokwe North shared the spoils in a goalless stalemate, while Dulibadzimu United were frustrated in a 1-1 draw against MSU. On Sunday, 10-man ZRP Gwanda held out for a goalless result against Chapungu, and Shabanie Mine edged Blanket Mine 1-0 at Maglass to lift the mood in Zvishavane.
With Sheasham on 57 points, Hardrock on 51, and Gwanda Pirates on 45, the race has tightened into a three-way contest. For struggling sides like Tongogara, Blanket Mine and Chapungu, the weekend only deepened their worries.
Matchday 21 Results
Sheasham 5-0 James West, Dinson Mvuma 0-1 Hardrock, Matobo 0-0 Gokwe North, Dulibadzimu 1-1 MSU, West Nicholson 3-1 Grain Tigers, Tongogara 0-1 Gwanda Pirates, ZRP Gwanda 0-0 Chapungu, Shabanie Mine 1-0 Blanket Mine.
FC Platinum U19 were on a bye.
