adminLog leaders Bantu Rovers travel to Hwange for a date with third placed ZPC Hwange at Ingagula while How Mine who are on position two on the log take on New West at Luveve Stadium.
Bantu Rovers are four points ahead of ZPC Hwange having accumulated 51 points in 23 matches compared to the electricity generators’ 47 points from 24 outings. A win for the Hwange club will see them reducing the difference with the former Premiership club to just a point making the championship race even more interesting.
Tshintsha Guluva is anticipating a tough encounter and they will have to be at their best to salvage a point against their opponent.
“We expect a tough game against ZPC Hwange. They are a good side and we respect them just like we do other teams. We will try our best to get a positive result and the boys are ready to fight,” said Rueben “Exe” Tsengwa, Bantu Rovers’ coach.
Bantu Rovers will bank on their experienced trio of former national team midfielder Johannes Ngodzo who is also their assistant coach, ex-Highlanders striker Abraham Mbaiwa and former Zimbabwe Saints utility player Kelvin “Skopo” Sibanda.
The Bulawayo club also has in their ranks national Under-20 players Kelvin Moyo, Nqobizitha Masuku and Elvis Moyo who they can bank on in their championship quest.
ZPC Hwange coach Solomon Kaseke, believes his team is still in the race.
“The race is far from over, the boys are still in it and will give it their best shot until the championship destination issue is resolved.
“We are ready to fight to the end, the boys are raring to go and I think we deserve to be at the top of the standings,” said Kaseke on Wednesday at the Colliery Stadium where he watched Highlanders beat Hwange 1-0.
At Luveve Stadium, How Mine should brace for a gruelling encounter as New West has vowed to make life difficult for them.
How Mine trails Bantu Rovers by two points having played the same number of matches, 22.
Farai Mujokoro, who is having a dream season as New West gaffer said they were ready for the gold miners.
“We said it when the season started that our aim is to consolidate our top four spot and that is what we want. We are aware that How Mine are after the championship but they should expect a good run for their money.
“What we have to do is concentrate because last weekend we paid dearly for loss of concentration against Bantu Rovers,” said Mujokoro.
The Lobengula outfit will bank on their skipper Nkosilathi “Torres” Mhlanga, Warren Dube, Mengezi Dube and Erico Phiri against How Mine.
In the relegation zone, Zimbabwe Saints continue their survival battle with a home tie against Ntabazinduna Prison this afternoon at their Queenspark club house.
“Our survival fight continues and we are taking each game as it comes. We want to maximise on home advantage and if we collect three points at the weekend we will move a place or two up the ladder. The players have been working hard and I have faith in them as we fight relegation,” said Edmore Sibanda, Zimbabwe Saints coach.
Fixtures
Today: Zimbabwe Saints v Ntabazinduna (Zimbabwe Saints Club House), ZPC Hwange v Bantu Rovers (Hwange), New West v How Mine (Luveve), Projects v Rufaro (Hwange), Emakhandeni Pirates v Black Boots (Raylton), Hwange Juniors v Sizane Fruits and Veg (Hwange), Mpumalanga v Bulawayo Chiefs (Mpumalanga)
Tomorrow: Power Cosmos v Tsholotsho Pirates (Hwange)
Online Reporter