Shabanie Mine’s 2-1 win over Blue Rangers on Sunday extended their unbeaten start to the Premier Soccer League season, keeping them top of the log, while Highlanders’ impressive start to the season continued. Their emphatic 5-3 win over Hardbody at Barbourfields last Sunday means that the Bulawayo giants are the only team in the league yet to taste defeat so far.
They have raked in nine goals in just two matches with strikers Milton and Graham Ncube already topping the goal scorer list with three and two goals respectively. It is Shabanie Mine, however, that have seemingly stolen the thunder with a storming start which has seen the Zvishavane-based side winning two matches and a draw to set the pace. Following their struggle last year which saw them surviving relegation on the last day of the season, coach Luke Masomere’s reconstructed side has instead given cause for optimism in the small mining town. Some though still expect that Shabanie will eventually fall away, but Masomere, who steered the team to survival last season, does not see why that should happen.
“I don’t really care what people say about my team’s performance so far. We will try to do our best and with the help of the Almighty I know we will achieve our target this season. This season is going to be different and the good times are definitely coming back to Zvishavane,” Masomere said.
When asked about his team’s target this season, the outspoken former Warriors coach said: “I can’t say we want to win the league because there are teams reserved to do that. But if the authorities can give us fair treatment, then we can win it. But as it is at the moment, winning the league is not our objective. We will be very comfortable with finishing in the top eight. That one we will achieve.” High-riding Dynamos, who are seemingly still revelling in qualifying for the first round of the Caf Champions League, were sent down crashing by Monomotapa, with Kudakwashe Musharu scoring the priceless goal, his third for the season.
Newcomers Hardbody and Quelaton are still to adjust to life in the Premiership and last weekend recorded their third losses apiece. Quelaton were beaten 2-0 by city rivals Chicken Inn in the Bulawayo derby while Hardbody were falling to Highlanders across town. Unless something dramatic happens at the two clubs, these two clubs will make a quick return to the second-tier league. However, the same cannot be said about Harare City and Buffaloes. In particular, Harare City have been impressive this far. The City Fathers have not lost a game in three matches, winning one and drawn two.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Top goal scorers 3-Takesure Chinyama (Dynamos), Milton Ncube (Highlanders), Kudakwashe Musharu (Monomotapa), Nelson Mazivisa (Shabanie Mine) 2-Kundishora Chakanyuka (Quelaton), Russel Madamombe (Monomotapa), Graham Ncube (Highlanders)
