adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE race for promotion in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One league will reach a climax tomorrow with three teams having good chances to book a place in the domestic Premiership next year.
Masvingo United, Mutare City and Hartley Academy can all make it into the top-flight league depending on results this weekend.
Yuna Yuna have the advantage as they have their fate in their hands, sitting on 66 points, a point ahead of the chasing pack and they only need to win their last game to return to the Premiership.
But they have a very tough task as they are on the road to Mutoko Traders who have proved a difficult team to beat in their backyard this season.
The team, which plays at Chikondomana, has enjoyed a lot of support from the local people and average about 3 000 fans per game.
Mutare City are away to Ruwa Gunners at Rufaro and need to win and hope that results elsewhere favour their cause.
Ruwa Gunners were involved in an accident last week in Chipinge but have since pledged to fulfil the fixture and are hopeful of stopping the Mutare side.
Hartley Academy will battle it out with ZRP Masvingo at Motor Action Sports Club and they also need a win and hope that results elsewhere favour their cause.
Mutare City Rovers secretary-general Saul Tomu said they were expecting a tough match tomorrow.
“We cannot disappoint our supporters who have been behind us throughout the season.
“We would like to bring a team from Mutare into the top league.
“We are well prepared and we hope the other results will do us favour as we have worked very hard throughout the season.
“The game is coming with pressure but that is what football is all about and we have a good team. We will not read much into the fact that our opponents were involved in an accident as they registered 30 players who are all capable of doing the job,” Tomu said.
Masvingo United secretary-general Colin Maboke said they were ready for the ultimate test.
“We have done our preparations and we need to win and return to the Premier League where we have made a mark and we also respect our opponents, who are a formidable side,” said Maboke. We call on the supporters to be disciplined and the referees to be fair.”
Fixtures
Today
Mutare Polly v Gutu (Polly Grounds, Tenax v Prime Rangers (Sakubva), Melfort v FC Three Leaves (Madhaka)
Tomorrow
Renco Mine v Gaza Gunners (Renco), Black Eagles v Surrey (Maramba), Masvingo City v Mwenezana (Mucheke), Mutoko Traders v Masvingo United (Chikondomana), Ruwa Gunners v Mutare City Rovers (Rufaro), Hartley Academy v ZRP Masvingo (Motor Action).
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