Zimbabwe PSL Matchday 19 Review: Platinum derby ends in draw; Highlanders and Dynamos triumph; Billiat scores

TAWANDA CHARI

HARARE – The 2024 Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) witnessed an exciting round of fixtures on Matchday 19, with significant results impacting both ends of the table.

Ngezi Platinum Stars

Log leaders FC Platinum and reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars played out a goalless stalemate at Mandava Stadium, keeping the title race wide open.

Norman Mapeza's FC Platinum maintained their position at the summit with 39 points from 19 matches, while Ngezi remain five points adrift in second place.

Highlanders and Dynamos triumph as CAPS United stumble

Highlanders FC continued their resurgence, securing a second consecutive victory with a 2-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs in a local derby.

Goals from Marvin Sibanda and Peter Muduhwa sealed the points for Bosso, who now sit fifth on the log with 32 points.

Dynamos also bounced back to winning ways with a narrow 1-0 win against Hwange at the Colliery, thanks to a first-half goal by Kevin Moyo.

This victory sees Dynamos in sixth place with 30 points.

CAPS United, however, suffered a setback, losing 1-0 to Herentals at Rufaro Stadium, with the defeat leaving the Green Machine in ninth place with 27 points.

Khama Billiat shines for Yadah

Former Warriors star Khama Billiat continued his fine form, scoring his eighth goal of the season to help Yadah FC to a 2-0 victory over Bikita Minerals at The Heart Stadium.

Billiat, who joined Yadah after leaving South African giants Kaizer Chiefs, netted the opener in the 72nd minute, with Blessed Ndereki sealing the win in the 89th minute.

This result lifts Yadah to 12th place on the log with 23 points.

Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds held

Simba Bhora missed an opportunity to capitalize on the Platinum derby draw, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation-threatened Greenfuel.

Despite the draw, Simba remain in third place, level on points with Ngezi but with an inferior goal difference.

Manica Diamonds also failed to take full advantage, playing out a goalless draw with TelOne at Sakubva.

This result extends Manica's winless run to five games, leaving them in fourth place with 33 points.

They have only managed 4 points in the last 5 games. 4 draws and a loss which is relegation level form.

Elsewhere in the league

Chicken Inn secured a 1-0 victory over Arenel Movers, courtesy of a goal from Brian Muza. ZPC Kariba and Chegutu Pirates played out a goalless draw.

2024 Zimbabwe Castle Lager Premiership Matchday 19 Results:

FC Platinum 0-0 Ngezi Platinum Stars
Highlanders 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs
Hwange 0-1 Dynamos
CAPS United 0-1 Herentals
Manica Diamonds 0-0 TelOne
Yadah 2-0 Bikita Minerals
GreenFuel 1-1 Simba Bhora
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Chegutu Pirates
Arenel Movers 0-1 Chicken Inn

Upcoming Fixtures

The next round of matches promises more thrilling action as the title race heats up:
Simba Bhora host Highlanders at Wadzanai Stadium.
Ngezi Platinum Stars welcome ZPC Kariba to the Baobab.
FC Platinum travel to Bulawayo to face Chicken Inn.
Manica Diamonds face Chegutu Pirates at the Baobab.