SOCCER: ZPC Kariba charge on, shoot to the top

Results at a glance:

Highlanders 0-1 Dynamos

FC Platinum 2-1 How Mine

Buffaloes 2-1 Bantu Rovers

Harare City 1-0 Chapungu

Triangle 0-0 Black Rhinos

ZPC Kariba 3-0 Shabanie

ZPC KARIBA returned to the top of the log courtesy of a clinical destruction of Shabanie Mine, FC Platinum got back to winning ways at the expense of How Mine, Benson Maglasi’ strike carried the day for Harare City, while Buffaloes beat struggling Bantu Rovers.

Triangle and Black Rhinos played out a goalless draw on a day six Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches produced 11 goals.

At Gwanzura Stadium, second half goals from Moses Makanje, Pride Tafirenyika and Norest Mukwezaramba took Saul Chaminuka’s charges to the top of the log with 35 points, the same number as second-placed Dynamos.

Despite the brilliant second half showing by his men who took their unbeaten run to 19 matches, Chaminuka remains modest.

“We are not looking at the positions on the log as yet. Our aim is to continue with our unbeaten run and make sure we survive the chop at the end of the season.

“But if the title chasers choose to leave us at the top, we will gladly accept the honour, although I must reiterate that it’s not our target,” said Chaminuka.

Shabanie Mine coach John Phiri bemoaned the departure of a number of his players in the mid-season transfer.

“We lost 12 players and with this kind of exodus it is going to be very difficult for us in this second half of the season,” Phiri said.

For Harare City, substitute Benson Maglas’ 83rd minute strike was enough to earn Harare City their second win in three matches under the tutelage of Masimba Dinyero.

Having already beaten Chiredzi FC (1-0) and managed to hold Shabanie Mine 2-2 away, yesterday’s win should provide some breathing space for the former Dynamos defender who took the win in his stride.

“I was never given an ultimatum and will be here for the rest of the season. This was a very tough game. Chapungu play a very physical game, but I am happy we managed to collect maximum points.

“This is the first step of what I hope to be a top eight finish, come the end of the season” he said.

At Sakubva, veteran Johannes Ngodzo marked his return to the game with an own goal that helped Buffaloes to a 2-1 win over Bantu Rovers.

Kastigu Juwakinyu scored the other goal for the home side, while Herbert Dick got Bantu’s consolation.

At Mandava, goals from Donald Ngoma and Aubrey Chirwa ensured FC Platinum , who are set to unveil a new technical team that will feature Norman Mapeza, Lloyd Chitembwe and Nkululeko Dhlamini, victory.

James Chitereki replied for How Mine.