By McGeorge Mbare
BLANKET Mine have been crowned the 2026 Central Region Soccer League Division One champions following a 1-1 draw against second placed Kwekwe United in Kwekwe on Sunday.
The Gwanda side secured the championship after holding their closest challengers to a draw in a hard fought encounter.
The two teams went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0.
After the restart, Blanket Mine struck first, breaking the deadlock to keep their championship ambitions alive.
Kwekwe United later found an equaliser, but their efforts were not enough to deny Blanket Mine the title.
The championship marks another milestone for coach Petros Jukulile, who has now won three Central Region Soccer League Division One titles in his coaching career, having previously achieved the feat in 2014 and 2019 before adding the 2026 title.
Elsewhere, Vhembe Stars Academy dropped crucial points in their relegation battle after playing out a goalless draw against Shabanie Mine at Maglass Stadium.
Vhembe Stars Academy went into the encounter knowing that nothing short of a victory would boost their chances of avoiding relegation.
The Beitbridge side failed to capitalise on their opportunities despite creating several promising chances.
Both teams battled from the opening whistle, with Vhembe Stars Academy forwards Benedict Sithole, Davis Nyamukondiwa and Denzel Tadyanemandu failing to take advantage of Shabanie Mine’s defensive mistakes.
In the 21st minute, Shabanie Mine’s Leon Chisunga attempted to make something happen after making a run down the left flank and sending in an inswinging cross, but goalkeeper Kelvin Masukuta gathered the ball comfortably.
Vhembe Stars Academy’s Davis Nyamukondiwa came close to breaking the deadlock in the 35th minute, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
The two sides went into the half-time break with nothing separating them.
After the restart, Vhembe Stars Academy introduced Thabo Mpande for Marshal Nhira and Themba Bajila for Benedict Sithole in an attempt to change the course of the match.
The substitutions failed to produce the desired result as Shabanie Mine remained resolute defensively.
The match eventually ended goalless, with both sides guilty of wasting opportunities that could have secured them maximum points.
The draw took Vhembe Stars Academy to 29 points, level with MSU FC, who suffered defeat against Sabi Gold Mine FC.
Speaking after the match, assistant coach Paul Mugabiri expressed his frustration at his team’s failure to find the back of the net despite enjoying spells of possession.
“We failed to win this match. It was a must win, and we needed the points more than they did. However, at the end of the 90 minutes, we shared the points, which was not our goal. We dominated possession, which was a positive aspect, but we failed to capitalise,” Mugabiri said.
Shabanie Mine coach Chisunga praised his players for their performance despite being held to a draw at home.
“It was a difficult game, but I’m happy the boys showed up. It’s not easy to battle a team facing relegation. We now look to build for our youngsters for next season,” Chisunga said.
The relegation battle will now end in the final day on matchday 44 of the Central Region Soccer League Division One.
The following are the results of the match day 33.
Kwekwe United FC 1-1 Blanket Mine FC
MSU FC 1-2Sabi Gold Mine FC
Gwanda Pirates FC 0-1 Grain Tigers FC
Super Strikers FC 0-0 Shurugwi FC
Chapungu FC 1-0 Tongogara FC
West Nicholson FC 1-0 Matobo FC
Dulibadzimu United FC 1-0 ZRP Gwanda FC
Good Morning FC 2-1 FC Platinum U19
Shabanie Mine FC 0-0Vhembe Stars Academy FC