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Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
BLANKET Mine maintained their perfect start to the season when they edged Nichrut 1-0 at Peak Stadium in Shurugwi to open a two-point lead at the top of the Zifa Central Soccer League (CSL) table. A 63rd minute strike by former Motor Action and Whawha forward Simbarashe Zimora, who came in as a substitute, was enough to secure the gold miners maximum points.

Blanket Mine have amassed 9 points from the three matches, two points ahead of second-placed Tongogara, who walloped ZRP Gwanda 3-0 at the weekend.

Blanket Mine coach Barnet Vinkumbu boldly declared that his side is the team to beat this season as they are going all out for the championship.

“I believe we’ve assembled a formidable side, which can compete at this level, and I’m happy that results are coming our way. Our main target for this season is to gain promotion into the Premiership,” said Vinkumbu.

“However, it’s still early days and in football anything can happen. If we don’t manage to make it to the Premiership, a top four finish will be enough consolation for us,” he said.

In other matches, Shabanie Mine put their campaign back on the rails when they dispatched struggling Gweru United 2-0 at Maglas Stadium, while ZRP Beitbridge piled more misery on Jessie Mine by handing them a 3-1 hiding.

The result means Jessie Mine have collected a single point from three outings.

Habane Sharks seem to have given up on their campaign in the CSL after failing to fulfil their home fixture against Kwekwe Sables.

The Kwekwe-based outfit were awarded the game on a 3-0 score line.

Sharks benefactor Baron Dube said he was “not around” when his side failed to fulfil the fixture.

The Esigodini-based outfit is still winless and anchors the table. They also face sanctions for failing to fulfil the game.

Results: Ivan Hoe 3-2 Vumbachikwe, ZRP Beitbridge 3-1 Jessie Mine,

Habane Sharks 0-3 Kwekwe Sables, MSU 1-1 Chrome Stars, ZRP Gwanda 0-3 Tongogara, Nichrut 0-1 Blanket, ZPC Munyati 1-1 FC Platinum U19, Shabanie Mine 2-0 Gweru United