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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Highlanders and national team defender Dazzy Kapenya charmed his employers Casmyn FC after his side drew 0-0 at home against Southern Region Division One Soccer League leaders Bulawayo Chiefs on Saturday.

Eric Chipangura, Casmyn’s vice-chairman said Kapenya has transformed the side and believes that the former Highlanders championship winning captain has laid the foundation for next season’s campaign.

Casmyn became the second side after Makomo to pick a point against the trailblazing Chiefs who are yet to lose a match this season. Chiefs top the table with 44 points from 16 games and lead ZPC Hwange who have played two more games by six points.

Chiefs’ 24-match unbeaten stretches to last season having last lost a league game on October 2, 2016 when they were beaten 2-1 by ZRP Bulawayo Province.

The table-toppers under Thulani Sibanda have won 20 out of their 24 outings, drawing four. Two of the draws were played last season Black Boots (0-0) on Week 26 and the 1-1 scoreline against Ntabazinduna which cost them the title as well a place in the Premiership.

After Saturday’s clash at Turk Mine, Casmyn fans’ mobbed Kapenya showering him with praises.

“Kapenya and the boys have done us proud by standing their ground against the table toppers. We’re in the league to compete and it is such performances that make us believe that we’re in the right direction in as far as setting a foundation for next season’s campaign. Chiefs are a good side and the community enjoyed the entertaining football exhibited by our guys,” said Chipangura.

Casmyn are on position five trailing Chiefs by 20 points after 17 games.

By holding Chiefs, the gold miners took their unbeaten run to three games and are hoping to build on that result in their fight for a top four finish.

Just like Casmyn, Chiefs were content with the point.

“Playing away to a side that was tactically and technically disciplined is good for us. What was important was to maintain our unbeaten record. I must commend my players for absorbing pressure that Casmyn put and ensuring that we got a point that keeps us in control of our destiny.

“We will work on our shortcomings during the week and bounce back to winning ways next week,” said Sibanda.

Chiefs face Talen Vision in their next game.

Meanwhile, second placed ZPC Hwange were held to a 0-0 draw by Makomo in a coalmining town derby.

A victory for ZPC Hwange against Makomo could have taken them four-points the reach of Chiefs.

Results
Saturday: Amagagasi v Indlovu Iyanyathela (postponed), Casmyn 0-0 Bulawayo Chiefs, Talen Vision 1-2 Zim Leopards, Black Boots 0-2 Bosso 90, Makomo 0-0 ZPC Hwange

Yesterday: Chiwororo v Victoria Falls Tigers (not played)

Table

P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Bulawayo Chiefs    16    14    2    0    33    3    30    44
ZPC Hwange    18    11    5    2    32    7    25    38
Makomo    18    8    7    3    20    13    7    31
Bosso 90    18    8    5    5    20    17    3    29
Casmyn    17    6    6    5    18    12    6    24
Zim Leopards    17    6    5    6    24    28    -4    23
ZRP Bulawayo    16    5    5    6    18    19    -1    20
Black Boots    18    5    5    8    22    33    -11    20
Talen Vision    16    4    7    5    12    12    0    19
Indlovu Iyanyathela    16    5    4    7    16    23    -7    19
Mosi Rovers    16    4    5    7    16    23    -7    17
Chiwororo    17    3    4    10    18    29    -11    13
Amagagasi    17    2    6    9    12    24    -12    12
Vic Falls Tigers    16    2    4    10    7    25    -18    10

@ZililoR