Fourth-placed Monomotapa look set to take full advantage of pacesetters Dynamos and Highlanders’ inactivity in this week’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) programme to assume an early control of the title race.
The PSL yesterday released a busy Easter holiday fixture programme with all but leaders Bosso, Dynamos and Hwange playing.
The Bulawayo giants, leading the race after the week one round of fixtures following their 4-0 drubbing of Blue Ribbon Rangers, had their game against FC Platinum postponed as the Zvishavane outfit is travelling to Sudan today on a Caf Champions League assignment.
Dynamos’ match against Buffaloes will be played midweek as the defending champions will be hosting Mozambican side Liga Muçulmana in the Champions League on Sunday.
The third game that has also been affected by continental club competitions is the match between Hwange and Blue Rangers.
Fifth-placed Hwange left for Sudan yesterday for their Caf Confederations Cup first round, second leg match against Al Amal Atbara.
With the leading teams not in action on the local front, the initiative has been left to fourth-placed Monomotapa to take full control of the race in these early stages of the season.
The 2008 league champions host new boys Harare City at Rufaro Stadium on Friday, in a major highlight of the day’s league fixtures.
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Monoz came from a goal down to win 3-1 against returnees Buffaloes in the season-opener and look favourites to collect maximum points against the PSL debutants.
Former league champions Gunners and Motor Action will square off at Lafarge Stadium on the same day in what promises to be another thriller .
Shabanie Mine and Quelaton will be looking to collect their first maximum points of the new season when they clash at Luveve.
The two teams had an indifferent season opener, with Shabanie held to a 0-0 draw by Caps United while the league debutants stretched Hwange to the limit. They eventually fell 4-3, having led the match for the better part.
On Saturday, pre-season favourites Caps United host Chicken Inn at Gwanzura Stadium.
The Sean Connor-coached side were restricted to a goalless draw at Maglas last week and will no doubt be looking to appease their supporters with a positive show against a side who were also held to the same scoreline by Gunners.
Limping Hardbody and Black Mambas conclude the weekend fixtures with a clash at Ascot Stadium in Gweru on Sunday.
The two teams will go into the match on the back of thrashings last week.
Hardbody were initiated into the league with a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Dynamos with Takesure Chinyama starring in that match while Black Mambas surrendered a goal lead to fall 3-1 to FC Platinum.
PSL Easter holiday fixtures Friday: Monomotapa v Harare City (Rufaro Stadium), Quelaton v Shabanie Mine (Luveve Stadium), Gunners v Motor Action (Lafarge Stadium) Saturday: CAPS United v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura Stadium) Sunday: Hardbody v Black Mambas (Ascot Stadium) Postponed matches: FC Platinum v Highlanders, Buffaloes v Dynamos, Blue Rangers v Hwange
