adminBruce Chikuni
THIS is it!
The wait is finally over for what has been dubbed the Classico of the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League championship battle.
Golden Eagles welcome Simba Bhora at their Ellis Robins nest this afternoon.
Simba Bhora won the reverse fixture 3-1 at Wadzanai.
Victory will be a great outcome for both sides, considering that there will be six games left, after today’s blockbuster. Golden Eagles are just three points off the pace, which was set by log leaders Simba Bhora, who are on 56 points.
Arthur ‘Tuts” Tutani’s troops have scored a total of 62 goals in 25 matches, but have surprisingly failed to score in the capital, on their previous four visits. Infact, Simba Bhora are yet to collect a full set of points in Harare.
Golden Eagles captain, Henry Manatsa, said they are aware of what is at stake.
“We have prepared well for this match, we are aiming to win every game and our hope is to get one tomorrow.
“Home advantage always counts and I urge the Eagles’ fans to come and support us in numbers.
“A positive result, at this stage of the season, is very important, as we are aware of what is at stake,” said Manatsa.
The real battle might be between Tutani and his Golden Eagles’ counterpart Gilbert Mushangazhike, who deserve credit for how the two sides have fought so far.
Mushangazhike’s men beat Cam & Motor 2-0 in their previous outing, while Tutani’s troops also enjoyed success with a 6-3 crushing win over Chinhoyi Stars.
The gripping battle has also caught the attention of the regional media sites with Farpost, a football website in South Africa, also posting an article on their site.
“Ex-Orlando Pirates forward, Gilbert Mushangazhike, is on the brink of a massive coaching milestone, with the Zimbabwe Northern Region first division title in sight,” the website reported.
“Mushangazhike is fancying his chances of helping Golden Eagles gain promotion into the country’s PSL as they are embroiled in a nail-biting race for the ticket to the top-flight league.
“The former Manning Rangers player has done exceptionally well since taking charge of the ambitious club, replacing Joel Luphahla, who left en-route to join Highlanders, as an assistant coach.
“For Mushangazhike, the opportunity to steer the Golden Eagles’ ship has helped him realise his potential as the team is within touching distance of the coveted championship, with seven rounds of fixtures remaining before the curtain goes down.
“The Eagles are third on the standings while Simba Bhora and Herentals Under 19 occupy first and second position, respectively.
“As it stands, they have amassed [53 points] and are three behind leaders Simba Bhora, with Herentals sitting on [55 points].”
Ironically, the two sides have two players, who have had a stint with one of Africa’s football giants, TP Mazembe.
Experienced midfielder Ali Sadiki was signed by Simba Bhora last month, while Christopher Samakweri does duty for Golden Eagles.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter