Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni,
Sports Reporter
IF anyone ever doubted that this is going to be one hell of a race for the Castle Lager Premiership title then the key results yesterday put those doubts to rest.
High-flying champions Simba Bhora crashed 0-2 at TelOne, who are now fancying their chances of writing a Cindrella tale, and winning the championship.
MWOS came from behind to force a share of spoils in a 1-1 draw against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga to move within two points of Simba Bhora at the top of the table.
FC Platinum moved into third place after edging Midlands rivals Kwekwe United 2-1 at Mandava.
Today, all eyes will be on Scottland, who have a tricky away fixture against Bikita Minerals, where a win will see Tondera Ndiraya’s men moving within three points of Simba Bhora.
The stakes in the championship race have never been this high.
When TelOne gaffer Herbert Maruwa declared that his men were in the championship race, it’s very likely that a number of people dismissed him.
But, this victory over Simba Bhora shows that he has built a side which can go all the way and win the championship.
The hosts scored their goals after the restart through Milton Chimedza and the reliable Tawanda Macheke.
Maruwa backed his declaration after the match as he warned his next opponents, Ngezi Platinum, to brace for a big fight on Saturday.
This was Simba Bhora’s third loss in 22 fixtures.
“Football is a game of pressure and as TelOne we declared some weeks ago that we want the championship,” said Maruwa.
“You have to beat the champions to be the champions and that is what we are doing.
‘‘I’m very happy because the boys are responding well.”
Simba Bhora are still leading the championship race with 43 points.
The WIFI Boys are now six points off the pace.
Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla said it was one of their worst games this season.
He also acknowledged that playing as the log leaders carries a lot of weight that is probably weighing his men down.
“The pressure you get as log leaders can sometimes motivate your opponents but we also need to find ways of making use of those few opportunities we get when we are on the road.
“This was not one of our good games and I want to congratulate TelOne for limiting our chances,” said Luphahla.
The two sides looked more interested in keeping possession in the first half as they failed to create meaningful chances.
The hosts came back a different side and showed more purpose in the final third.
Chimedza broke the deadlock in the 54th minute, profiting from a schoolboy defending from the champions.
TelOne ‘keeper Tapiwa Chilenga made a save-of-the-season contender as he denied Blessing Moyo’s attempt from range 10 minutes later.
Macheke struck at the death to seal the victory for the hosts.
