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IF ever there was a time that defending champions Scottland needed rivals Dynamos to fight in their corner, it is this Saturday when the Glamour Boys host log leaders Hardrock at Rufaro in a league match that could have a profound impact on the championship race.
While the match is the most anticipated of the weekend, Bulawayo fans will keep their fingers crossed and hope John Nyikadzino’s men beat Ngezi Platinum in a Castle Lager Premiership match on Saturday.
Chiefs are 14th on the log and are six points above 15th placed Agama with four matches to go. A win on Saturday may see them stay guaranteed of staying in the Castle Lager Premier League.
They have 31 points and need to win at least two of their remaining matches in this hotly contested race.
Ngezi are third and have done well to be where they are in a season in which they lost seven players and a coach to CAPS United. They also served a transfer window ban following their alleged poor handling of the Bongani Mafu and Benjani Mwaruwari severance packages.
DeMbare, who are fighting a top four finish to atone for a trophyless season for the first time in four years, could inadvertently end up play the spoiler role against Hardrock, who are entangled in a tight contest for the league title with Scottland, going into the last four games.
Scottland have a bye in the domestic league as they turn their focus to the CAF Champions League match against visiting Angolan side Petro de Luanda at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
But they will be following closely as DeMbare battle Hardrock.
The defending champions have lost control of the race after ceding top spot to the ambitious new boys from Kwekwe last week.
Scottland were dislodged from the apex after suffering a shock 0-1 defeat to ZPC Kariba.
Hardrock seized the opportunity to go two points clear at the top after powering to a 2-0 win over Bulawayo Chiefs.
The Kwekwe goldminers now have 63 points, while Scottland have 61.
Hardrock are enjoying top form and have been on an impressive seven-match winning streak, which they hope to extend and bolster their title credentials.
Scottland will be praying that the Glamour Boys prevent the Kwekwe gold miners from collecting maximum points and further stretching their lead at the top.
DeMbare coach Aristica Cioaba is on record saying if the club misses a top four finish then he would resign from his job.
“This is a clear message from me to everybody, and I promise if I do not finish in the top four, I will not continue with the club. I will go. I don’t need anything.
“But I am confident. I like to continue with this club in the future to have more results and finish in the top four,” said Cioaba recently.
Dynamos are currently in fourth place with 51 points. But they have only one win in their last six games.
Unlike last season, DeMbare are not fighting relegation.
This weekend will also be critical, especially for TelOne and Manica Diamonds who would become the first teams to be confirmed relegated if they do not pick maximum points.
TelOne will host rejuvenated FC Hunters at Ascot while Manica Diamonds have a difficult fixture away to Highlanders at Barbourfields.
Fixtures:
ZPC Kariba v AGAMA (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v CAPS United (Mandava), Simba Bhora v Herentals (Wadzanayi), MWOS v Triangle (Ngoni), Bulawayo Chiefs v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Luveve), TelOne v FC Hunters (Ascot), Dynamos v Hardrock (Rufaro).
Sunday: Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields), Scottland v Chicken Inn (Postponed)
