CRSL: Sheasham, Chapungu in entertaining draw

GWERU – Sheasham maintained the five point lead at the top of the Central Region Soccer League after playing out to a goalless draw against Chapungu on Sunday in a weekend in which Vumbachikwe gained ground in the title race.

Sheasham had advantage going into the match after TelOne dropped points in the other Gweru derby against MSU on Saturday but the contest against Chapungu was so tight that the best result of the day was a draw.

Fans warmed up to the build up to the match, filling Ascot stadium to capacity and the teams didn’t disappoint either with the only deficiency to the derby being lack of goals. Action swung from one end to the other but goals eluded both sides.

Sheasham coach John Nyikadzino who had toned down tensions before the match by speaking glowingly about his former side Chapungu was satisfied with the result.

“We had chances that could have tilted the match in our favour but the match was very tight. We wanted a win but it was not to be because Chapungu really played well, they also wanted a win. It was a true derby,” Nyikadzino said.

“I’m happy with the turnout of the fans and the atmosphere that they created.The match lived up to the billing of a derby and I want to thank the fans for creating such a carnival atmosphere without any animosity or skirmishes. Such kind of an atmosphere helps to grow our brand as a league.”

Chapungu co-coaches Tafadzwa Mombeshora and Tawanda Marimo seem to be doing well since the departure of Moses Chunga, winning two matches and drawing three times.

“We were rated the underdogs going into the match but we did put up a spirited fight against the log leaders. We defied the odds and this is the spirit and character that we want to build on going into the remaining fixtures,” Mombeshora said.

“Credit to the players for putting up a good fight, we take the point and prepare for the next match with the same zeal like we had against the log leaders. I want to dedicate this point to dedicate this point to Lovemore Zhake Marimo brother to my co-coach Tawanda who was also a brother to me.

MSU goalkeeper Alfred Chiname was the difference on Saturday denying TelOne the chance to close in on Sheasham with a win after he made a series of crucial saves that restricted the WiFi Boys to a goalless draw.

Third placed Vumbachikwe still entertaining faint hopes for the title reduced the gap between them and log leaders Sheasham to eight points with six matches before the end of the season while they are now three points behind second positioned TelOne.

Edmund Zhou’s goal from a free kick away at ZPC Munyati gave the Gatsi Mukombwe coached side something to fight for going into the penultimate stages of the league.

“We rejoice in this win because we close the gap against the leading pack. ZPC Munyati are a good side and winning at their fortress means a lot to team Vumbachikwe, we are a competitive side,” Mukombwe said.

Tongogara maintained fifth position on the log standings after a 3-0 win over Dulibadzimu while Bishopstone edged FC Platinum U19 2-1. Philani Mabhena got the better of John Phiri as Filabusi beat Loss Control 3-0 with Kwekwe United grinding out a 2-1 win over Paramount United.