Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT’S Simba Bhora who ended the weekend sitting pretty at the summit of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table, three points clear of the chasing pack after their hard fought 1–0 win over Dynamos in Shamva.
And while the champions did just enough to grind out victory late on, the weekend’s biggest damage was done elsewhere, particularly in Norton, where FC Platinum humbled title hopefuls MWOS in their own backyard, snatching both three points and their unbeaten home record.
A deflected cross from Junior Makunike was all Simba Bhora needed to keep their charge intact, but coach Joel Luphahla wasn’t popping champagne just yet.
“Being on top adds pressure, not comfort,” said Luphahla. “We’re not looking at what others are doing. We’re focused on our own race.”
MWOS, who began the weekend level on 40 points with Simba, are now reeling from back to back defeats, the latest coming in front of their fans at Ngoni Stadium, once an impenetrable fortress.
Norman Mapeza’s FC Platinum, still playing with heavy hearts following the death of midfielder Brian Banda, proved too composed and clinical for Lloyd Mutasa’s men. Davison Marowa and Precious Phiri found the net in either half to secure a 2–0 win that keeps Platinum unbeaten and mathematically in the race with two games in hand.
“We’re now playing every game for the late Brian Banda,” said Mapeza. “Whether we go unbeaten or not, only God knows, but we’ll keep fighting.”
Mutasa, though gutted by the loss, was gracious in defeat.
“We had a strong run at home, so this hurts,” he said. “But we have to bounce back quickly.”
Chitiyo magic sinks bitter rivals
In Chisumbanje, Ronald Chitiyo continued his personal vendetta against Bikita Minerals, scoring a screamer as GreenFuel completed a derby double with a 2–0 win.
The former CAPS United playmaker now has three goals in two games against the Lithium Boys, who are in freefall after losing key players mid-season, including Innocent Masiiwa to MWOS and Blessing Kagudu to, ironically, GreenFuel.
Coach Wilson Mutekede was frank about the impact of those departures.
“We’re trying to build a new spine mid-season, and that’s always tricky,” he said. “This wasn’t a technical loss, it was administrative.”
For Rodwell Dhlakama, it was a breakthrough win in his new role at GreenFuel.
“This result gives us confidence,” he said. “We weren’t perfect, but the points matter more right now.”
Benza still sparkling at 54
In a tepid clash in Mutare, Herentals needed just one moment to claim maximum points against a struggling Manica Diamonds side, Eric Dombo’s 51st-minute header proving decisive in a 1–0 win.
But the real theatre came from 54-year-old club president and forward Innocent Benza, whose cheeky dummy in the 62nd minute sent the Sakubva crowd into raptures.
“Say what you want, but that man knows how to light up a dull match,” said one amused fan after the game.
Manica Diamonds’ poor run continues, they haven’t won since their shock victory over Dynamos in May. Caretaker coach Tafadzwa Mashiri called for patience.
“We had our chances but didn’t finish them. The boys need confidence and results to build momentum.”
Kwekwe’s chaos costs them again
In Kwekwe, drama unfolded before a ball was even kicked. Saturday’s clash against Yadah started 25 minutes late after Sheasham locked the stadium gates over unpaid rent.
When play finally resumed, the hosts never looked settled and it was their own defender Genesis Munashe who turned into his own net to hand Yadah a priceless 1–0 win.
Kwekwe coach Masimba Dinyero was livid.
“How do you expect players to focus when there’s drama before kick-off? These boys need structure, not chaos,” he fumed.
Yadah boss Maxwell Jongwe agreed it wasn’t a classic but praised his side for grinding out the result.
“There are no easy games. We did just enough today,” said Jongwe.
Rufaro ends goalless, but not lifeless
CAPS United and TelOne couldn’t find the net, but they certainly found intensity in a 0–0 draw at Rufaro that kept fans engaged throughout.
Both sides created chances. Leeroy Murape went close for TelOne, while CAPS youngster Junior Bunjira added much-needed spark off the bench.
Green Machine gaffer Ian Bakala was encouraged.
“We were unlucky not to score, but the point is valuable,” he said.
“I liked the hunger from the younger guys.”
Herbert Maruwa, on the other hand, felt TelOne should’ve won it.
“We had good chances, especially in the first half. But we move forward. A point away isn’t bad,” said the
former Dynamos coach.
Elsewhere on match day 21
Triangle 1–1 Ngezi Platinum Stars
Chicken Inn 1–0 ZPC Kariba
