By Prince Chese
BEITBRIDGE teams continued battling for important points in the Central Region Soccer League after Matchday 6 results left both clubs still chasing places in the top half of the table.
The two clubs, not really talked about much in the Central Region, could be the dark horses had the playing field been level.
Dulibadzimu FC managed to collect a valuable away point after a goalless draw against Tongogara FC at Tongogara Stadium on Wednesday 5 May. The result moved the Beitbridge side to ninth position on the league table with eight points after six matches.
The draw came during a difficult round for several clubs in the league, with leaders continuing to put pressure at the top.
Blanket Mine FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Grain Tigers FC at Mbizo Stadium, while West Nicholson FC defeated Sabi Gold Mine FC 2-0 away from home.
For Dulibadzimu, the point against Tongogara FC helped the team remain within reach of the leading sides despite failing to score.
The Beitbridge club has now shown signs of defensive discipline, but pressure is growing on the strikers to convert chances into goals as the season progresses.
The other, Vhembe Stars, a youthful outfit, is also fighting to improve its standing in the league.
The club currently sits on position 11 with six points, just two points behind Dulibadzimu FC.
The small gap between the two teams means upcoming fixtures could quickly change the standings for the Beitbridge clubs.
Meanwhile, Super Strikers FC and ZRP Gwanda FC shared the points after a 2-2 draw at Phelandaba Stadium in another entertaining Matchday 6 encounter.
Speaking after the match, Dulibadzimu FC PR officer Mandlenkosi “Bongo” Moyo said the team was satisfied with the away point and praised the players for keeping a clean sheet despite struggling to adapt to the playing surface.
He also said that the club is now focused on securing a victory in its next home fixture.
As the Central Region Soccer League season gathers momentum, attention in Beitbridge will now turn to the next round of fixtures, with supporters hoping both Dulibadzimu FC and Vhembe Stars can climb further up the table.