Dog eat dog in D1

Ray Bande
Senior Sports Reporter
THE race for the sole Premiership promotion ticket is getting hotter in the Eastern Region Division One League where any among the top eight teams can still labour long and hard to win the coveted league title.
In fact, after 14 rounds of exciting league matches, Mutare-based correctional services side, Tenax, who are eighth on the log standings with a tally of 22 are only eight points shy of log leaders, Hartley Academy.

Hopes for Premiership promotion at the end of the season for Tenax and all the other teams in the top eight are not only mathematically, but practical given that the season has not even reached halfway mark so far.

While log leaders, Hartley Academy have amassed 30 points from the 14 matches played so far and second placed Masvingo United with 28 points, three teams — Mutare City Rovers, Masvingo City Dortmund and Prime Rangers — are tied on 26 points.
Interestingly, pick of Week 15 round of league matches pitting log leaders Hartley and inconsistent Mutare City Rovers to be played at Motor

Action Sports Club in Harare is expected to have a huge bearing on the race for the title.
However, Tenax gaffer, Taku Shariwa, said his team was treating the match against Rovers seriously.

“We treat them with respect because we are aware that they are a formidable side. However, it is imperative as a club that we get maximum points and strengthen our chances of remaining on the top of the table.

“It is a fact that Mutare City Rovers will not be here for a holiday. They want to get points hence the need for us to be on the lookout and ensure that we avoid unnecessary blunders,” said Shariwa.
Hartley Academy are still basking in the glory of an emphatic 11-1 victory over Gaza Gunners in a recent league match played in Harare.

“Look, we are a serious outfit gunning for Premiership promotion. Make no mistake about that,” said Shariwa.
Week 14 Results

Masvingo City Dortmund 0, Masvingo United 0; Mutare City Rovers 2, Mutoko Traders 2; ZRP Masvingo 2, Melfort 2; FC Three Leaves 1, Tenax 2; Mwenezana 3, Mutare Polytechnic 0; Prime Rangers 3, Eagles 1; Gutu 2, Renco Mine 2; Ruwa Gunners 0, Hartley Academy 1; Gaza

Gunners 1, Surrey Abattoirs 1:
Week 15 Fixtures
Renco Mine v Surrey; Eagles v Gutu; Mutare Polytechnic v Prime Rangers; Tenax v Mwenezana; Masvingo City v FC Three Leaves; Melfort v Masvingo United; Mutoko Traders v ZRP Masvingo; Hartley Academy v Mutare City Rovers; Ruwa Gunners v Gaza Gunners.