Blanket Mine feel the heat as Central Region title race heats up

For the first time this season, Blanket Mine FC can actually hear footsteps behind them. The Gwanda miners are still top of the ZIFA Central Region Soccer League with 51 points and they are still unbeaten after 21 games, but the comfort of a runaway lead is gone.

A hard-fought 1-0 win away to FC Platinum U19 at Mandava stadium on Sunday kept them three points clear at the top. It was not flashy and not dominant, but in a title race it was exactly what champions do.

At this point, the problem for Blanket Mine FC is that four other teams also did what champions do this weekend. Kwekwe United are grinding out results and their 1-0 victory over Shabanie Mine at Baghdad stadium was more than three points.

Kwekwe United at Baghdad stadium

KWEKWE UNITED HOPING FOR A QUICK PSL RETURN

The result took Kwekwe to 48 points and kept them firmly in second. They have now won 15 games and they have the second-best goal difference in the league at plus 26. With 13 games to go, Kwekwe believe.

On the other hand, Chapungu FC put four past MSU FC at Ascot stadium on Sunday in a 4-1 win. That moved them level on 46 points with West Nicholson, and underlined why they are so dangerous. Their goal difference now sits at plus 30, the best in the league by some distance.

West Nicholson were held 1-1 at home by Good Morning FC at Phelandaba Stadium. With their rivals winning, that draw will feel like two points dropped. They are also on 46 points.

Additionally, Gwanda Pirates, who now sit in fifth position on 42 points, registered a 2-1 win away at Sabi Gold Mine Stadium. However, they are nine points off top spot.

For Blanket Mine, the pressure is new. Being chased is different from chasing, and they are enjoying a blistering season for the first time in a while. It remains to be seen who will earn the spot into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

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