Log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars continue to turn the screws on defending champions FC Platinum opening a six-point lead with a win against Chapungu while CAPS United beat ZPC Kariba in their biggest win this year.

Ngezi Pass Another Test

Chapungu 0 -1 Ngezi Platinum Stars

Ngezi Platinum continued to turn the screws on defending champions, FC Platinum after they passed another tough test which saw them taking a six-point lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premiership table.

FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza, has repeatedly told the press that playing after Ngezi puts his miners under pressure if their rivals win a day before they plunge into action.

Wednesday’s message from Ascot to Mapeza was clear, “Catch us if you can?’’

Mapeza’s men host provincial rivals Nichrut Thursday afternoon.

Over the weekend the defending champions’ response was perfect when they humbled giants Dynamos 2-0.

Wednesday it was speedy and exciting winger Michael Charamba who rose from the bench to assist Walter Mukanga’s only goal of the match.

The early pacesetters came into the match being the only team in the division yet to lose a league match but their unbeaten run was under scrutiny against a side they have never beaten at Ascot.

Harare City On A Roll

Harare City 2 – 1 Shabanie

Harare City coach Mark Harrison hailed his charges’ polished second-half performance after they eased their way into third place with a victory over a battling Shabanie in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Rufaro Wednesday.

Rare starter Wilfred Muvirimi opened the scoring seven minutes after the restart and Nyasha Mpofu turned a Tatenda Tumba looping free-kick into his own nets seven minutes later.

David Temwanjira scored Shabanie’s consolation 10 minutes from time.

The Sunshine Boys, who have lost just once in 13 matches, were full value for the win as they dominated play, especially in midfield where Tumba’s incredible work ethic, Moses Muchenje’s penetrative runs and Tendai Samanja’s passing accuracy proved priceless.

They could, and should, have won by a bigger margin had Protasho Kabwe, William Manondo and Muvirimi not forgotten their shooting boots.

The visitors had their chances with Temwanjira causing some nervous moments to the Harare City central defensive pairing of Raymond Uchena and Munyaradzi Diro-Nyenye.

Zhuwawu Brace Inspires CAPS Biggest Win

Caps United  3 – 0 ZPC Kariba

Striker John Zhuwawu brought smiles back on the Caps United faithful when he inspired the Green Machine to their biggest win this year with a brace against ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premiership match at the National Sports Stadium Wednesday.

Makepekepe, who had not won in their last four outings, bounced back in style with Zhuwawu opening the account on the 25th minute and then spicing up a good afternoon for himself with a well-taken goal in the 78th minute.

The forward was also involved in the team’s second goal when he won a penalty midway through the second half which was buried by half-time substitute Denver Mukamba in the 68th minute.

Makepekepe moved one place up the ladder to sixth on the log standings with 20 points while ZPC Kariba, who are reported to be eyeing Lloyd Mutasa to take over as their coach, continued to sing the blues in the bottom half.

Chicken Inn Brush Aside Chiefs

Bulawayo Chiefs 0-2 Chicken Inn

Chicken Inn cruised to a comfortable win over an out of sorts Bulawayo Chiefs in Wednesday’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium.

The defeat was Chiefs’ fifth straight loss since they upset champions FC Platinum 2-0 a month ago.

Chicken Inn went into the game desperately seeking a win after playing in two consecutive draws against Chapungu and Harare City.

The Game Cocks started the game on the front foot and opened the scoring 11 minutes into the game through a powerful header by Guide Goddard.

The veteran defender rose above the rest to power home a well taken Xolani Ndlovu corner kick, beating Kelvin Nyoni in goal for Chiefs.

Obriel Chirinda doubled the Gamecocks’ lead in the 26th minute by cleverly connecting a neat pass from veteran Clemence Matawu.

Wednesday Results

Caps United FC 3-0 ZPC Kariba, Chapungu 0-1 Ngezi Platinum Stars, Harare City 2-1 Shabanie Mine, Bulawayo Chiefs 0-2 Chicken Inn

Thursday Fixtures

Herentals v Triangle, Yadah v Mutare City, Bulawayo City v Highlanders, Black Rhinos v Dynamos, FC Platinum v Nichrut