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Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE race for the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title will go into November, as leaders and favourites Simba Bhora suffered a last-minute defeat, while their closest rivals FC Platinum were comfortable winners yesterday.
Party spoilers Herentals scored from a free-kick deep into injury time to overcome Simba Bhora 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium, as FC Platinum thumped Yadah 3-0 at Mandava.
The gap between Simba Bhora and FC Platinum is now six points, with three matches remaining.
Simba Bhora still need four points to be crowned champions, provided FC Platinum win all their remaining fixtures.
Zibusiso Ruguchu grabbed the stunning goal for Herentals to delay Simba Bhora’s party plans.
After the match, Simba Bhora coach Tonderai Ndiraya admitted they did not play as planned.
“By our standards, we didn’t play well,” he said.
“We didn’t create meaningful clear chances and I don’t want to talk much of the first half. We came back in the second half probing, but there were no clear chances again. We were not ourselves today, but played like we didn’t want to win the championship. We must admit.
“A brilliant free-kick made us drop all the points today. We were not defending well with our lines and then conceded a last-minute free-kick, which was well taken and could win any game.
“But overall we need to do much better and I must also give credit to the team for going 12 matches unbeaten. We are not happy today, but must not forget what these boys have done so far.”
His counterpart Paul Benza said:
“We are very happy because we had managed to collect just a single point in the previous three matches. We really needed a win or at least a draw. There was pressure piling from teams behind us.”
At Mandava Stadium, FC Platinum led in the second minute through Oscar Bhebhe, while Wilfred Muvirimi capitalised on a rebound, extending the lead to two goals in the 20th minute.
Three minutes later, mid-season signing Devine Mhindirira opened his FC Platinum account to seal the goals.
At Baobab Stadium, outgoing champions Ngezi Platinum Stars suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of relegation-threatened neighbours Chegutu Pirates.
Ngezi Platinum Stars seemed set for a routine win when they lead in the first half, but Chegutu Pirates staged a second-half comeback to snatch all points.
It was Chegutu Pirates’ sixth win of the season, but they remain second from bottom with 26 points from 30 matches.
Ngezi Platinum stay third with 46 points from 29 matches, 14 behind leaders Simba Bhora, and with just 15 points to play for before the season ends.
The defending champions took the lead in the 20th minute when Moses Demera unleashed a powerful grounder.
The premiership debutants were rewarded for their efforts five minutes after the break when Tinotenda Ditima went on a solo run after a brilliant pass.
He made no mistake from the edge of the box, unleashing a powerful grounder that beat Nelson Chadya in goal for Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Chegutu Pirates completed their comeback story two minutes later when Gareth Madhake headed into his own net in an attempt to clear a Tinashe Mavhudzi cross.
Their coach Maxwell Takaendesa was shown a red card by Lawrence Zimhondi 25 minutes before time after questioning the official’s decisions.
Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi admitted their title defence was now out of their hands.
“Mathematically we are still there, but to be honest, we now have one major piece of silverware to fight for,” he said.
He added that it was not an easy match for his charges.
“It is always difficult to play with a team fighting relegation. We made two primary mistakes which cost us the game, and it is unfortunate,” he said.
Jongwe was delighted and remained optimistic of his charges surviving relegation.
“We are happy with the win and we remain optimistic. This means much to us and we keep fighting,” he said.
At Sakubva Stadium, Bikita Minerals now look set to make a quick return to the Zifa Eastern Region Division One League after losing a relegation zone clash against Green Fuel.
While Bikita Minerals might end up playing Division One football next season, their striker Chris Makambira is likely to remain in the top-flight league, as his performances keep on catching the eye.
The talented youngster did so well once again to earn the admiration of neutrals even though his team lost 2-1.
Green Fuel surged ahead early in the second minute when striker Clice Rupiya made the most of little space at his disposal in a goalmouth melee and blasted a ferocious shot right into the roof of the net.
Bikita Minerals equalised in the 67th minute when the exciting Makambira got to the end of a Barnabas Mtuche through pass and made no mistake as he fired home a blistering shot that gave Green Fuel goalkeeper Tendai Chirara no chance.
An unmarked Neson Mwasanga propelled Green Fuel back into the lead in the 77th minute when he shoved the ball into the net from close range.
In a post-match interview, Green Fuel assistant coach Taurai Mangwiro said: “We are happy with the result. Yes, our opponents managed to cause a number of anxious moments for us, but credit goes to the boys for holding on and managing to get the winner. The result is good for us in our pursuit to remain in the top-flight league.”
Bikita Minerals coach Arnold Jani said: “Once again, we played very well, but failed to score goals after creating so many chances. We dominated the first half, but our dominance failed to translate into goals and in a game of football, if you do not score, you do not win. We are going to fight for our place in the premiership until the last game of the season.”
At Nyamhunga Stadium, ZPC Kariba and Hwange settled for a goalless draw and both remain part of the relegation equation.
At Luveve Stadium, Chicken Inn’s disappointing season continued with a 1-0 defeat at home to TelOne, as the Gweru-based WiFi Boys continued to move away from relegation danger.
Chicken Inn captain Xolani Ndlovu missed a last-minute penalty, enabling the visitors to walk away with the three points.
Online Reporter