Former Premiership sides Bantu Rovers and Railstars lock horns tomorrow at Raylton Sports Club as the race for the championship in the Zifa Southern Region Division One football league intensifies.
Bantu Rovers, who have signed former Highlanders skipper and FC Platinum defender Gilbert Banda, lead the pack with 37 points from 17 matches.
However, coach Reuben Tsengwa yesterday said Banda would not be part of the team that would take on Railstars.
Tsengwa said everyone was geared up for the match and the club, which lost Moodley Njeleza to Premiership side Chicken Inn, had a clean bill of health.
“So far so good. Our preparations have been going on very well and everyone is putting in 100% effort. We are injury free and are hoping to win against Railstars,” he said.
Bantu Rovers have in camp Kevin “Scopo” Sibanda and welcome back twins Kevin and Elvis Moyo who missed last week’s 1-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs as they were part of the Under-20 World Youth Championships qualifier against Angola.
Railstars are five points behind Bantu Rovers and are perched on position four. Coach Tirivaviri Sithole said his team wanted to cut the gap.
“Bantu Rovers want maximum points and we also want to win the match and surge ahead. This is a high-profile match in the league and it is going to be an exciting match,” Sithole said.
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Njanji are without captain Lindelani Ncube, who is serving a one-match suspension.
Railstars held Bantu Rovers to a goalless draw at Luveve Stadium in the first half of the season.
However, attention will also be on How Mine, who are on second spot with a game in hand after their match against Zimbabwe Saints was cancelled last week.
The gold miners, on 36 points, travel to Hwange for a date with Mpumalanga tomorrow and are also hoping to collect maximum points.
ZPC Hwange are on position three with 35 points after losing 1-0 to Tsholotsho last week and will also be gunning for three points as they host struggling neighbours Rufaro Rovers.
New West City are home to Tsholotsho at Luveve while troubled Emakhandeni Pirates travel to Hwange for a date with Hwange Juniors.
Zimbabwe Saints host Projects at Raylton on Sunday while police side Black Boots will be in Hwange to Power Cosmos. Chiefs entertain Sizani Fruit and Veg in Plumtree tomorrow.
