By McGeorge Mbare
Every match day is pivotal in the Central Region Soccer League Division One, and last weekend was no different, with both promotion and relegation battles tightening.
Blanket Mine took the lead for the first time in the Central Region Soccer League Division One after a 1-0 win over Kwekwe United. Chapungu FC dropped points after a 0-0 draw against perennial military rivals Tongogara, allowing Blanket Mine to go top with one point ahead.
Blanket Mine have now won 11 of their 16 matches and drawn the other 5, remaining unbeaten in the league. Chapungu have also won 11, drawn 4 and lost 1 from their 16 games.
Gwanda side West Nicholson sit third on 35 points, three points behind the leaders. Kwekwe United are fourth on 33 points, five points adrift. The pressure in the promotion race is now intense.
The surprise package has been Good Morning, who are currently 10th and just three points separate them from th placed Shabanie Mine.
The debutants have won 5 matches, drawn 4 and lost 7 in their first Central Region Soccer League Division One season, a record superior to the other three debutants namely Vhembe Stars Academy, Sabi Mine and Shurugwi.
At the foot of the table, Matobo sit bottom on 6 points, with Shurugwi just two points ahead on 8. Vhembe Stars Academy have edged further clear of the drop zone, now five points above the bottom side after a 1-1 draw against Shabanie Mine.
With both Beitbridge sides struggling for consistency, Vhembe Stars Academy and Dulibadzimu United will need to bring their A game in the second half of the season to survive relegation.
In an interview, Vhembe Stars Academy coach Blessing Madombe said “We are now better but we still need to improve in finishing in order to secure all three points we play for against any team.”
Vhembe Stars Academy and Dulibadzimu United remain the two teams that hold the Beitbridge community’s hope of bringing the Premier Soccer League back to the border town. However, it seems the Beitbridge dream of bringing back the Premier Soccer league in town will have wait for another season