THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race enters Week 24 this weekend with a fixture programme that could prove decisive in both the championship and relegation battles.
HENRY MHARA SPORTS REPORTER
Log leaders Dynamos picked a crucial point away at FC Platinum last week to remain clear at the top while Highlanders’ defeat at Harare City was capitalised on by ZPC Kariba who beat Black Rhinos to climb into second spot.
Down at the other end of the table, Chiredzi FC picked up three points last week, but it could be too little too late for the Gishon Ntini-coached side to survive relegation this term.
Bantu Rovers, second from the bottom, also appear to be doomed, but a host of other teams above them are separated by very little, making it almost impossible to predict who will fill up the other two relegation slots come end of season.
But with just seven games before the conclusion of the season, it is at the top where the battle for the title is well and truly alive.
Dynamos who lead the race with 43 points host Shabanie Mine at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday in what many would see as a very winnable match for the Kalisto Pasuwa-coached side who are seeking their fourth straight title.
However, the big one this week will involve Highlanders and ZPC Kariba at Hartsfield, also on Sunday with both teams hard pressed to win and keep pace with the log leaders.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
After their 2-1 win over Black Rhinos last week, ZPC Kariba will be fancying their chances against an unstable Bosso side that have in recent past shown a tendency to trip up at this stage of season.
Reports of a misunderstanding in the Highlanders technical team between under fire coach Kelvin and his assistant Mark Mathe have emerged and the Bosso faithfuls would be hoping the rumours are not true as the team heads into the crucial stage of the season.
Caps United on fourth position, four points behind Dynamos, still remain dark horses for the title, but just like Highlanders, the off field problems continue to stalk them and look set to derail their campaign.
The Green Machine are at Black Rhinos on Saturday and a win here would see them occupying second position for 24 hours — and momentarily forget their squabbles.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 24
Saturday: How Mine v Chicken Inn (Hartsfield), FC Platinum v Buffaloes (Mandava), Chapungu v Chiredzi (Ascot), Black Rhinos v Caps United (Rimuka, 1400hrs, SS9) Sunday: Dynamos v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro, SS9), Triangle United v Harare City (Gibbo), Highlanders v ZPC Kariba (Hartsfield) Monday: Bantu Rovers v Hwange (Hartsfield)
