As ZPL enters week three…..
The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League entered week three in the past weekend with interesting results on show.
Ngezi Platinum FC in their second year of playing top flight football are sending strong signals to the chasing pack in the league, after posting third win from three games so far played.
At this point only another Platinum mine bankrolled club in Platinum FC can able be to catch up with them. Platinum FC had their game against Chicken Inn postponed for week three due to their commitment in the Uhuru Trophy, which apparently they lost to Bulawayo giants Highlanders on penalties. Are the only other side with 100% record season. But a game is not three points.
Ngezi coached by a former Zimbabwean giants Dynamos FC son in Tonderayi Ndiraya beat How Mine 2-0. How Mine are coached Zambian Kelvin Kaindu, who seem to be finding his work difficult in recent seasons. Kaindu has done well at Highlanders and Triangle FC to make his name on the Zimbabwean scene. But the story at How Mine does not seem to resonate with the two previous clubs.
Ngezi goals came courtesy of Terrence Dzukamanja brace in the 65th and 89th minutes.
For this good form Ngezi has added clean sheets to their performances and the only other team to still keepinh clean sheet are the debutant in Prophet Walter Magaya owned Yadah FC who drew with ZPC Kariba FC.
But Ngezi who represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup after lifting the Chibuku Cup last year have hit the ground running. They beat the Army side Black Rhinos in the first game before beating Hwange in last weekend.
The defending champions Caps United were involved in the Uhuru Cup which they lost 1nil to eternal city rivals in Dynamos FC at the National Sports Stadium. Have a postponed match against very unpredictable side in ZPC Kariba and have to be at their best as the journey to play catch up with Ngezi Platinum is now fully underway. They may not match the pace setters on points even if they win the rescheduled match since they had one win and a draw in the opening two weeks. But they need to start winning consistently if they have to defend the title.
Yaddah FC are proving to be stubborn in their maiden season in Zimbabwean top flight football. As they are refusing to be bullied by seasoned campaigners. Posting to two draws and a win along the maybe understood of them playing cautiously while learning the ropes. But the 3 points system can be brutal at times. Those impressive draws can turnout to be a huge set back at the end of the season.
At the Ascot Stadium in Gweu Airforce sponsored side Chapungu got their first win of these season after losing the first two matches. Vistors Hwange FC had gone ahead through Nomore Chinyerere but a penalty in 65th minute converted by Raymond Sibanda restored parity. And it was the home side that had the last laugh as Andrew Tshuma scored on the stroke of full time. An 89th minute goal gave Chapungu 3 points.
Rest of the results in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League:
Shabanie Mine 0 – 2 Bulawayo City
ZPC Kariba Vs CAPS United (postponed)
Tsholotsho 0 – 0 Yadah
Dynamos Vs Black Rhinos (Postponed)
Chicken Inn Vs Platinum (Postponed)
Harare City Vs Highlanders (Postponed)
Ngezi Platinum 2 – 0 How Mine
Chapungu United 1 – 2 Hwange
There is one game on Monday to sum up week three
Bantu Rovers Vs Triangle United
Soka25east will be giving you news from the Zimbabwe Super League
