Competition in ERSL intensifies

By Nathan Mubwanda

MARONDERA- As the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL- Division1) games progress, the top four teams are now under pressure as most of them failed to win last weekend.

FC Wangu Mazodze who are leading the pack were fighting to extend their lead at top of the log when they met Masvingo United, affectionately known as Yuna Yuna in a Masvingo derby.

Unfortunately for the log leaders, they shared the spoils with the former Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outfit after the match ended in a goalless draw. At the time of writing, Masvingo United were seven points behind the pacesetters, with the league yet to reach the halfway mark.

On the other hand teams placed at lower places in the league should never be underrated.

Marondera’s flagship team of the moment, FC Hunters which is bankrolled by prominent farmer Andrew Gore learnt this after they dropped two points at the hands of Chiredzi Stars who came into this match at Rudhaka Stadium as underdogs as they were placed second from the bottom of the log.

The minnows led for most parts of the game before The Clever Boys, FC Hunters snatched a late draw that saved them the blushes. Mutare City Rovers continued to shine and pile pressure on other teams that aim to win the championship after outclassing Great Zimbabwe University FC by three goals without reply.

The Mutare side is third on the log standings while Masvingo United are fourth. The teams have the same number of points. Considering their position, it appears that the current top four teams are having problems securing maximum points when playing against some teams at the lower end of the table.

In recent years, the ERSL has produced some star players who are now playing in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, including the duo of Simba Bhora, Tymon Machope and Harrison Masina.