The ManicaPost
ESTEEMED followers of the game of football, thank you for finding time for interaction.
The 2017 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season is only two weeks old, but already it promises to be a rollercoaster if events and results of this past weekend are anything to go by.
And, as the campaign is just gathering steam, do you, Dear Reader, think that there are any interesting pointers to indicate just how this season may pan out?
Yes, it is still very much early days yet to put a finger on exactly how things will unfold, but that journey of 34 games has already started with those first two steps of round of fixtures.
In some circles, some reckon it is these early games that eventually shape the rest of the season.
Interesting to note this past weekend, however, was how the “usual suspects” – both those tipped for the title and relegation – fared in going about their business.
Talk about title holders CAPS United grinding out a crucial result; Highlanders suffering an early setback in the race when falling at home to Premiership returnees Shabanie Mine; Dynamos capitulating and surrendering a two-goal lead and FC Platinum maintaining their 100 percent start to the season. Or newboys Yadah Stars remaining unbeaten and upsetting fancied ZPC Kariba.
While last season’s top three, MaKepeKepe, Pure Platinum Play, and Bosso have been touted as the championship favourites – with DeMbare, Ngezi Platinum Stars, ZPC Kariba and Chicken pushed as dark horses – they all posted contrasting fortunes during Matchday 2.
While the Premiership has over the past years somewhat appeared to be unkind to promoted teams, at this juncture they are holding their heads high; with Shabanie, Yadah and Rhinos occupying the top half of the table. The notable exception is Bantu Rovers who are at the bottom of the pile.
The Bulawayo side have gone on record stating that their main thrust being in the elite league is to be a nursery that identifies, nurtures and develop raw, young talent – from whose conveyor belt Netherlands-based Warriors midfielder Marvellous Nakamba was churned.
Meanwhile, there is no doubt that with each game played, the log standings will assume a new complexion that while it gets beautiful for some it becomes uglier for others.
At the end of the marathon, who wants it the most – by outlasting everyone else in the race and just dragging themselves over the finishing line – will certainly get the winner’s medal at the podium.
But for us spectators, from our vantage points in the terraces, homes or pubs, we will absolutely get to cherish every moment of the action with relish.
But for the competing clubs, as the battle enters its third round of matches this weekend, it is “no guts no glory” because for the duration of the campaign the Premiership becomes kind of a jungle where only the fittest survive.
And, as this past weekend showed us, there, indeed, is no easy walk to teams’ goals and eventual glory.
It’s Game On, Play On!
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