By McGeorge Mbare
Central Region Soccer League Division One side Gwanda Pirates were held to a draw by Dulibadzimu United in both of their two preseason matches played on Sunday, 8 January 2026, in Gwanda.
In their first match, Dulibadzimu United took charge of the first 45 minutes, leading 2-1 before the hosts Gwanda Pirates found the back of the net to end the match with a 2-2 draw.
In the second match, Gwanda Pirates came out firing, however Dulibadzimu United managed to handle the pressure and the match ended with a 3-3 draw.
With the highveld chill of Gwanda replacing the river breeze, Dulibadzimu United found themselves immersed in a footballing culture that demanded precision, pace, and presence.
On the progress of the players after the Gwanda Pirates matches, Dulibadzimu United’s Coach Polite Bhegedhe said, “Everything is in order, we are trying our best to shape up. We played very well and it was a good training game”.
Now, with the dust settled on two challenging yet revealing matches, two draws have brought into sharper focus the picture of what lies ahead for the Beitbridge side.
The Gwanda preseason matches were more than just a training trip, it was a subtle reawakening of identity under new leadership, a showcase for rising stars, and a reality check for what still needs sharpening, as they are now capable of leading and scoring goals against Gwanda Pirates.
In the 2025 season, Gwanda Pirates were dominant in all the games they played against the Beitbridge side Dulibadzimu.
Meanwhile, Gwanda Pirates will now prepare for their upcoming preseason matches against Premier Soccer League returnees Bulawayo Chiefs and debutants Hard Rock FC.