Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THEY are the top two teams not by chance, but log leaders Chapungu Correctional Queens have been a class above the rest in the current Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League campaign.
The Airforce side occupy top spot with 55 points in 21 games, while Correctional Queens in second spot have played a game more.
With just the goal difference separating them, hosts Correctional Queens will be hoping to dominate the top of the table clash to end the day at the summit of the standings.
Correctional Queens manager Loice Mutimbanyoka chose to play her cards close to her chest.
She is alive to the pressure that her side currently faces as the ZWPSL curtain gradually draws to the end.
“We do not want to put ourselves under a lot of pressure hence we choose to focus on our own race,” she said.
“The outcome of today’s game will have a bearing on who occupies the top-spot, but we will not look at it in that manner, we just take it as a Harare derby in which we need to collect maximum points.”
With the title race becoming tight with each game, Black Rhinos after their 2-0 victory over Black Mambas yesterday moved to third position with 54 points in 21 games.
Defending champions Herentals are in fourth position with 53 points, but have two games in hand.
Mutimbanyoka said her side will be cautious in their approach to hosting Chapungu, considering that the Airforce side are currently cruising in fine form.
Both sides have tasted defeat once, while Chapungu have drawn twice and Correctional Queens thrice.
“We should not leave anything to chance, the title race is still wide open so we should just avoid faltering at all costs,” she said.
“Chapungu will not be an easy opponent, they also have some of the league’s prolific goal scorers on their team and this means that defensively we should be at our best.”
Herentals’ Praynance Zvawanda currently leads the charts with 21 goals, while her teammate Bethel Kondo is second with 19, jointly with Black Rhinos’ Rutendo Makore.
Chapungu’s experienced forward Rudo Neshamba is joint second with Kwekwe Queens’ Anita Ncube at 18 goals apiece.
“To win games we need goals so we want to get as many as we can . . . our goals are well distributed this season and with the experience we have on our side, I am sure we will get some,” added Mutimbanyoka.
“Our team has strong characters who have the experience and some of whom have played at national team level so in terms of quality, we have what it takes.
“What we need now is maximum concentration and motivation to keep pushing.”
The campaign, however appears to be heavy on Red Buffaloes, Black Mambas and Cranborne Royals.
Still without a win to their name, Red Buffaloes occupy the bottom spot with a point while Black Mambas are 14th with 16 points while Cranborne have begged 19 to settle for position 13.
Based on where Cranborne are sitting, even if they collect maximum points in their match tomorrow away to Platinum Royals, they remain stuck in the same position.
Fixtures
Today: Correctional Queens vs Chapungu (Wagadhugu); Highlanders Royals vs Herentals (Ascot Race Course); Red Buffalo SA vs Faith Drive Academy (Chisamba Grounds)
Tomorrow: Sheasham vs Conduit Academy (Bata); Platinum Royals vs Cranborne Royals (Mandava)
