Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIS promises to be an explosive weekend for the Women’s Premiership with a clash pitting log leaders Chapungu Queens and reigning champions Herentals on the cards.
The game is at Manyame Airbase tomorrow at 11am.
The highly-anticipated match is not just another fixture, it carries significant implications for the title race.
In the previous seasons, the result of this encounter has had a huge impact on the trajectory of the season with the team that emerge winners gaining a crucial advantage as they move forward.
Currently, Chapungu occupy the top position on the log table with 36 points while Herentals are in second place with 34, tied with Correctional Queens in third. The two sides have so far proved resilient, after picking a solitary defeat apiece while Herentals have also recorded a draw.
In fact, Herentals’ remain unbeaten in open play this season.
Their sole loss does not stem from an on-field defeat; instead, it was a penalty imposed after their scheduled match against Kwekwe failed to kick off.
This means that if they beat Chapungu, they move to the top of the table, a position that based on history will be difficult for any side to topple them. The Herentals coach Simbarashe Dedza is aware of the daunting task ahead.
He said the three-point deficit they incurred following the Kwekwe Queens debacle means that they have to complete the season without tasting defeat.
Dedza notes that his charges must leave no room for complacency if they are to successfully defend their coveted championship title for the fourth year running.
“The three points loss dented our title defence, it is a huge setback which means that we no longer have room for defeat through the season,” said Dedza.
“Based on the previous seasons, at least one defeat in the season can be okay, because two losses place us in a very difficult situation hence we should avoid that at all costs.”
Herentals and Chapungu consistency has solidified their positions as dominant forces in the league over the years, making their clash more significant.
The stakes are high, and both teams will be eager to assert their dominance and secure vital points.
A slip up may give advantage to closely following rivals Correctional Queens who are also eyeing the top.
The Prisons side’s improved performances have added an extra layer of complexity to the title race this year, making their matches crucial as well.
Today, the Correctional Queens host Harare City at Waghadhugu.
Harare City have been blowing hot and cold since the start of the season and currently they are 10th on the standings with 15 points in 12 games.
Meanwhile, the campaign keeps getting tough for league debutants Red Buffalos who anchor the log table without a point in 12 outings.
The Nyazura based side have arguably the worst defence in the past decade, conceding 96 times already.
Their attack has also been the worst, only managing to find the back of the net four times.
And when they face off the Highlanders Royals this week, they will be hoping to finally pick their first set of points this season.
“Our season has not been what we wished for, especially in terms of finances,” said club chair Evermore Matinyarare.
“These results depict the situation that we find ourselves in, our coffers are dry, we cannot afford anything so obviously all that has an effect on the players.”
To survive match day, the players have to carry packed lunches often containing sadza and relish as the club cannot afford to provide meals and refreshments for them.
“Our girls are very young and you can see that emotionally, the situation is really affecting them,” added Matinyarare.
“All the excitement they had when we got promoted has vanished and we just hope that we will be able to complete the season.” Just above them are Black Mambas and Cranborne Royals who have so far amassed three and five points respectively.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Faith Drive vs Black Rhinos (Chisamba Grounds); Red Buffalos vs Highlanders Royals (Bulawayo Chiefs Village); Chapungu Queens vs Herentals (Manyame Airbase); Correctional Queens vs Harare City (Wagadhugu); Cranborne Royals vs Black Mambas (One Commando)
Sunday: Mpopoma Academy vs Sheasham(Bulawayo Chiefs Village); Platinum Royals vs Conduit Academy (Mandava); Maningi vs Kwekwe Queens (The Heart)
