Midlands Correspondent BEITBRIDGE outfit Border Strikers extended their lead at the top of the Zifa Central Soccer League after edging nearest rivals Tongogara 1-0 at Dulibadzimu Stadium on Saturday. William Nyoni scored the solitary goal that saw Border Strikers going nine points clear. The army side went to the border town needing nothing short of victory and thought they had a perfect start after finding the back of the net in the sixth minute, but the goal was disallowed for an infringement. Tongogara coach Ignatius Kapitapita had no kind words for the match officials accusing them of influencing the destiny of the Central League championship.
“We’ve no problems with losing, but it should happen in a fair manner. Football ceases to be competitive when match officials are clearly biased and influencing the final result,” said Kapitapita.
“There’s no point in competing if the promotion of teams is predetermined. Responsible authorities should rein in errant match officials because this is killing our football,” he said.
Border Strikers coach Never Malunga said although the destiny of the championship was firmly in their hands, the remaining nine games were crucial. “We still have 27 points to play for and all the top four teams are still in with a chance, so we need to guard against complacency and collect each and every point to assure ourselves of premiership football next season,” said Malunga.
Hopes of bringing premiership football to Kwekwe were further dashed after Sable Chemicals and ZPC Munyati both lost their ties. Sable Chemicals lost 2-3 to FC Platinum Under-19 while the power generators were edged 1-2 by MSU. Results ZRP Beitbridge 1-1 Shabanie Mine, ZPC Munyati 1-2 MSU, Ivan Hoe 1-0 Vumbachikwe, Mvuma Stars 0-3 Chrome Stars, Sable Chemicals 2-3 FC Platinum U-19, Silo United 0-2 Blanket Mine, Border Strikers 1- 0 Tongogara, Gweru United 1-2 ZETDC