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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
Will the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title change hands tomorrow? That is the big question which can only be answered at the end of the day tomorrow as Harare City look to break new ground in a must-win match against CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium. The previous two seasons were dominated by giants Dynamos who won the League and Cup double under Callisto Pasuwa.
But the Sunshine Boys established themselves as firm favourites when they thrashed giants Highlanders 4-0 last week and opened a two-point lead at the top of the table ahead of the last round matches.
And now Harare giants, CAPS United, stand between them and the Promised Land as defending champions Dynamos and Highlanders stalk them.
However, City will have to make the best of their opportunities in their last outing of the season.
As Big boy Mawiwi conducted his last training session, it was difficult to ignore the spirit of expectation in the camp.
City are only in their second season in the Premiership.
“We are ready for the game. Actually, I am happy with the way things have turned out this week in terms of our preparations,” said Mawiwi.
“The guys are happy and motivated. It’s important that we win this game to realise the dream. But I would like to believe that this is going to be a tough game, just like many other matches that we have played this season.
“We don’t have to place ourselves under lots of pressure. We were doing things the normal way the whole week. We didn’t change anything in terms of our training methods.
“So we have to remain focused and try as much to concentrate on winning the game itself, and not placing too much emphasis on the title as three teams are running for it,” said Mawiwi.
Harare City rose when it mattered most last week with that demolition of Highlanders to take pole position ahead of Dynamos and Highlanders.
The Sunshine Boys are two points clear at the top with 53 points.
The championship is theirs to lose after taking this vital advantage on the same afternoon holders Dynamos dropped two crucial points in the 2-2 draw at Chicken Inn to leave them tied on 51 points with Highlanders.
Crucially for Mawiwi is the realisation that they need nothing short of victory to be crowned new champions.
Any other result could open the door for DeMbare and Highlanders who lost considerable ground in the marathon last week but still maintain a competitive goal difference.
City, however, have to do without the star of the show in their last outing, Silas Songani, who is out on suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.
Defender Crispen Dickson is also on the sidelines through suspension.
Fullback Munyaradzi Nyenye, who was stretchered out in their last game against Highlanders, is still down with a knee injury and will not take part in tomorrow’s contest.
But Mawiwi has most of his players available with experienced campaigners like the former Dynamos quartet of David Kutyauripo, Nathan Ziwini, Martin Vengesai and goalkeeper Maxwell Nyamupangedengu who know what it takes to win the championship.
The Sunshine Boys are on the threshold of success following a very good season.
But they should not expect to wrap it up so easily as CAPS United have promised to give them a good run for their money.
The Harare giants said they are aiming for victory to enhance chances of a top four finish to enhance chances of being considered in the pre-season tournaments which usually target the best finishers.
However, the Green Machine will go into the match without skipper Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Rahman Kutsanzira and Arnold Chivheya who have been sidelined by injuries.
Tendai Samanja is also a doubtful starter as he has not been feeling well while striker Leonard Fiyado is suspended for accumulating three yellow cards.
However, their coach Taurai Mangwiro said they are prepared to face City.
“We know what we are coming up against because for Harare City to be where they are means they are a very good side.
“No doubt they want the championship but we are also contemplating a top four finish, which appears possible. So. in that case we need to win this game and hope that FC Platinum falter,” said Mangwiro.
CAPS United are fifth in the log table with 48 points, one behind FC Platinum who host relegation fighters Buffaloes at Mandava tomorrow.
“We have had quite a decent season and we all feel it could have even been better. Everyone is looking to finish on a high note, though.
“We had created a good fighting opportunity for the championship and the Mbada Diamonds Cup and the disappointing thing is that we couldn’t capitalise on that momentum.
“So, our aim now is to finish in the top four and build from there for the next season,” said Mangwiro.
Online Reporter