Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Northern Region Soccer League championship is poised for a nail-biting climax, with the season finale narrowing to a fierce two-horse race.
As the league enters its final six-game stretch, only a single point separates the top contenders.
N’ombeyawora, who have had a dream debut season in the Division One League lead the standings with 73 points, but they are under pressure from second-placed Agama who are just a point behind.
Such has been the intense battle for the title that even the Coach of the Month accolade has been exchanging hands between N’ombeyawora’s Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera and Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni of Agama with the latter clipping the September award. These tight finishes have also been the hallmark of the NRSL over the last five years, underlining their status as the best-run and most competitive of the country’s four Division One Leagues.
The chase for the title has effectively eliminated the rest of the field, with third-place Golden Eagles, now a distant 14 points behind the leaders and effectively out of contention.
N’ombeyawora chairman, Cuthbert Chitima while noting the stiff competition believes his side’s strong foundation, anchored on the huge investment they have made, will help them to get past the post.
“Of interest are the foundational values and ethos that the club is built on, that of great commitment, respect, integrity and fair play,’’ said Chitima.
“And getting to be pacesetters dovetails in the strategic objectives and competitive thrust inculcated in the entire club.
“Such performances are motivating for the players and reassuring all our stakeholders.
“From inception, our intention was to establish a professional club in tandem with the club licensing regulation and criteria.
“Our utmost belief is that club football is the cornerstone for all football development in a country and as N’ombeyawora, we want to also compliment the association in professionalising and developing the game.
“Thus, professional club structures, good football governance and sustainable investment have been pertinent to our on- and off-the-pitch performance,” Chitima said.
The former Gunners director feels the log leaders will not slip from the top spot due to the systems they have mobilised.
According to Chitima, N’ombeyawora are having one life in the Premiership, for which their preparations are also being targeted.
“With what we have mobilised, what we assembled and the systems established, all these will provide a competitive advantage and benefits over our competitors. This gives us confidence to fight and belief to keep pushing towards targeted success.
“Attaining our objectives and ambitions, is our obligation and if realised it means we have to progress to the next level.
“Winning the championship means the next level is participating in the Premier Soccer League.
“Winning PSL means progressing to International Club competitions. That is what drives us, the desire to keep progressing,” said Chitima.
But for all their confidence, N’ombeyawora are aware that Agama are ready to take the title chase to the wire.
