Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premiership title race has transformed into a spectacular, high-stakes thriller after a dramatic weekend of results left an intriguing four-team gridlock at the summit of the log table.
Unlike in the past few weeks when competition for the control had become a two-horse race between early pacesetters CAPS United and newboys Hardrock, defending champions Scottland and Herentals have also joined the fray, with only the goal difference separating the four teams after match day 15.
The leading quartet is tied on 28 points, although the weekend was particularly disappointing for giants CAPS United, who meekly lost to Scottland 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday, to blow the race wide open.
Makepekepe have surrendered a lot of ground in the last few weeks, after blowing a four-point cushion which they enjoyed at the top of the table following a flying start to the campaign.
However, they are currently experiencing a dip in form that has seen them winning just once in their last six games.
In fact, Makepekepe have not won a single match in their last four outings, drawing three times before the loss to Scottland.
Although some may want to point to the last two games against FC Platinum and Scottland, the pattern shows this has been a snowballing trend.
As a result, Makepekepe have slid to fourth position, with a goal difference of six goals.
They have missed scoring opportunities and failed to collect maximum points when they had the upper hand, leaving their passionate fanbase with a mixture of frustration and confusion.
In stark contrast, defending champions Scottland have timed their run to perfection. Boasting an incredibly deep, star-studded squad featuring legendary veterans Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat, the Mabvuku-based outfit looks ominous.
Even when their marquee duo is quiet, the champions possess unrivalled match-winners in every department.
Although it is still early to make conclusions about the marathon, the stage is shaping up for a tough second half. Scottland coach Norman Mapeza, a veteran of these contests, with four domestic league titles to his name, is aware of the expectations and want his players to stay grounded.
The Mabvuku side has bounced back into contention after a slow start, largely thanks to the victories over FC Platinum and CAPS United in the last two match days, their coach Mapeza reckons.
“These past two games have been difficult for us,” he said.
“What is important now is to stay grounded and take each game as it comes. We just need to keep winning our games. That’s the most important thing,” said Mapeza.
On paper, Scottland are the most dangerous side in the second half because of their depth.
Following their victory over Makepekepe, Scottland landed on second place with a healthy goal difference of 12 goals.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted log leaders Hardrock continue to defy expectations.
Backed by heavy corporate investment, the gold miners showed immense grit.
They managed to do just enough to stay at the apex following a critical away point in the goalless draw against MWOS on Saturday.
They have a goal difference of 14 and have a game in hand which awaits boardroom determination following the abandonment of their clash with Dynamos last week.
The gold miners managed to collect a priceless point when they featured in a goalless draw against MWOS at Ngoni on Saturday. Coach Kelvin Kaindu believes his team is on the right tracks.
“As much as we wanted a win, it was a very important point for us to keep us on top of the table. This is a very competitive league, both on top and at the bottom,” Kaindu told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
The Zambian coach anticipates a lot of pressure.
“But football is a pressure game. Regardless of which position all we need is to manage the pressure. We have had a good start so far. As a newly promoted team, this is good for us not to play under pressure of fighting relegation,” said Kaindu.
Simultaneously, Herentals quietly marched into the top tier on the back of a magnificent, nine-match unbeaten streak.
The Students issued a definitive statement of intent with a clinical 1-0 away victory over FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium, courtesy of a solitary strike from in-form forward Dreamer Liyeto.
The Students’ coach Paul Benza, however, has downplayed his team’s intentions.
“I am happy the team is demonstrating that we are now scoring goals because we managed to score against a team that had not conceded in its last five games,” said Benza.
“At the same time, we are not under any form of pressure for the title at the moment because when we started the season, we promoted a number of our young players from Division One. So, our target is to improve and develop these boys so that they become better and better.
“For instance, we have Dreamer Liyeto promoted from our junior ranks who I think is doing well. He has been very consistent in the last few games and we want it like that,” said Benza.
The Students have already started preparing for the showdown against Scottland coming up this weekend.
