Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match-Day 28 Round-Up

By Perkins-Tino Bare

As the title race reaches its climax, most teams will be kicking themselves for failing to take up the opportunities laid to them on match-day 28 while others are going to look back at it and give it all the credit it deserves. Chicken Inn continued to struggle for results as they weer once again held to a 1-1 draw by stubborn boys Tsholotsho. Fc Platinum failed to take up the offer and go level on points as they had to struggle at Lafarge holding on to a 1-1 draw against Flame Lily aho`s also fighting relegation. Buffaloes recovered from the loss against Highlanders as they beat ZPC Kariba but still remained in the relegation zone.

Joey chickening out? 

The Gamecocks played against a stubborn Tsholotsho who are ready to kill for their survival in the league this season. Over the past few matches Tsholotsho has been able to gain the valuable points but it has been ugly. Likewise Tsholotsho took the lead early on the stroke of half time through one Simbarashe Gorogodyobut the gamecocks were to force their way back into the game 6 minutes into the second half through Michael Katsvairo. The draw saw the Gamecocks moving on to 55 points but remaining on top position.

FC Platinum could not however capitalise on the slip up by the Gamecocks as they also played a relegation threatened side in Flame Lily. It was never going to be easy for Fc Platinum and to be honest they were lucky to escape with a draw on the day. Flame Lily could have won the game as FC Platinum could not play their usual passing game on that bumpy Lafarge pitch. They however got the lead through Marshall Mudehwe in the 17^th minute. Brighton Chayambuka however git the equaliser for Flame Lily as they then started tom push for the winner against an Fc Platinum side that was not really ceartain on whether to push for the winner and go level on points or settle for the draw.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza took the draw with open arms "I am happy with the point. It's a good performance from the players, we knew it was going to be a difficult match and I will be stupid to complain after this draw... We have worked very hard to be where we are today and are happy with the boys except that we conceded a soft free kick," said Mapeza in a post match interview with a local daily.

He however complained about the condition of the pithc and it still remains to be seen whta action the Psl is going to take as most coaches have raised the same issue. "I am not complaining about the pitch because we have drawn but who do you think can play football on a pitch like this," said the coach when asked about his thoughts on the pitch. “Its for the PSL to comment about the pitches but this is not a good pitch to play football. We will not develop our football if we continue to play on a pitch like this.We enjoy to pass the ball around but we struggled. We are not worried about Chicken Inn. I have been in this situation before at Monomotapa, this a challenge any coach would want to face” added Mapeza. The draw then sees Fc Platinum still trailing the Gamecocks by two points as they are unmoved in second place with two more games to play.

Smash and Grab on the Cards

Dynamos on the other hand who most people including myself had ruled out of the title race clawed their way back into it and stand a chance to pull a famous smash and grab. Dynamos took on relegated Dongo Sawmill and they beat them 2-1. Kelvin Bulaji and Takesure Chinyama ensured the victory for the glamour boys as they capitalised on the slips by both the Gamecocks and FC Platinum.

The win sees Dynamos remaining in 3^rd position but they moved on to 51 points trailing the leaders by just 4 points. It becomes interesting in that there1s still 6 points to play for and Dynamos have a chance of snatching it wickedly from the Gamecocks right at the end. The Gamecocks are now on a 3 match winless streak as they have now drawn their last 3 encounters. FC Platinum next play a resurgent Caps United and if Dynamos just remain focuse they might just shock us all once again.

Bosso Set For A Strong Finish

Highlanders FC on the other hand continued with their good run of form as they thumped Hwange 4-2 in a match played at the Colliery. Bosso were already 3-0 up with just 35 minutes played in the game after 'banolila', Ralph Matema had opened the scoring. Knox Mutizwa proved once agin that he is one of the top out and out strikers in the country at the moment as he scored the second in the 13^th minute. He then proceeded to assist the 3^rd for Banolila`s double. Hwange pulled two back to set the match at 3-2 before pouring forward insearchof that equaliser. Ariel Sibanda was on point on the day as he was certain not to let another one through. Knox Mutizwa then killed the game as a contest scoring his 14^th goal of the season.

Its been a long season for Bosso fans but they are certainly poised for a comforting finish to the end. The win makes it three on the tilt. And they are still in the Easycall Cup as well after pipping Fc Platinum. It also moved them to 6^th position as they are now fancying a top four finish. Bosso next play the stubborn boys inTsholotsho and that should be a thrilling encounter as they look to maintain that momentum while survival is key for Tsholotsho.

The three teams chasing the league title play rather easy enciounters in Matchday 29 as Chicken inn get a break from the relegation threatened sides as they take on struggling Harare City. Dynamos play Chapungu whilst FC Platinum are the side with the most difficult encounter on the day against Caps United out at Mandava.

feedback@perkinstinobare.blogspot.com