ONE of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s richest clubs, Harare City, is on the brink of dropping down to Division One. BY SPORTS REPORTER
It will take an almighty effort for them to survive the chop, in a battle they are not in full control of.
With their last match coming against How Mine at home, Harare City need nothing short of three points, but even that on its own may not be enough to buy them another year in the topflight.
Their defeat to Hwange on Sunday pushed them into the relegation waters and in need of a helping hand.
It will be a four-team battle for two places available in the top-flight for next season involving Harare City (35 points), Bulawayo City (36 points), Hwange (37 points) and Shabanie (39 points).
Two teams from this lot will join Tsholotsho and Bantu Rovers who have already been relegated.
Shabanie Mine and Hwange are in full control of their destiny as wins for both sides will guarantee them another season in the topflight.
For Shabanie theirs is easier since even a draw in their match against Yadah will be enough for them to stay up.
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Hwange have their work cut out as they travel to Kariba knowing that they will need nothing short of victory.
Harare City and Bulawayo City will both need to win their matches against How Mine and Bantu Rovers respectively but that alone may not be enough for both sides.
With all its riches Harare City could find themselves in the second-tier league next season.
The city council budgets $2 million for the team each season and it is one of the highest-paying teams in the topflight with players earning $500 each as winning bonus, while salaries range around $1 000 yet all this may fail to buy them life in the topflight.
Philani Ncube’s side had the worst form in the last five matches where they only picked up one point but they will fancy their chances against How Mine whom they beat in the Chibuku Super Cup final.
How Mine have a chance to get their revenge by kicking Harare City to Division One.
Bigboy Mawiwi’s brief at Hwange is survival. They have a good opportunity to achieve that but a trip to Kariba may pose a big challenge for them.
Bulawayo City probably have the best fixture playing at home against Bantu, who have managed just four wins all season shipping in a massive 68 goals in the process.
