Online Reporter
Fungai MuderereZimpapers Sports Hub
WITH one round left in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, eight teams are still fighting for survival in what could be one of the tightest relegation battles in recent memory.
Weeks after Scottland wrapped up the title with two games to spare, the spotlight has shifted to the bottom half, where giants Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Dynamos are among those still in danger.
“This is my first time as a coach to be in such a predicament. It’s my first and it’s really painful,” said Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas, whose team faces Highlanders in a potentially explosive final day clash.
Both sides sit on 38 points, dangerously close to the drop zone.
“It’s going to be a dog eat dog fight this coming week, no favours at all. It’s going to be a real fight and hopefully we get it right on the day,” added Antipas.
Kwekwe United are the only team already confirmed for relegation, leaving seven others staring at possible doom. The teams still in danger are Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds, Dynamos, Triangle United, Bikita Minerals, Greenfuel and Yadah Stars.
Bosso are 10th with 38 points and a goal difference of +1. Chicken Inn have the same points but a -2 goal difference. Manica Diamonds also sit on 38 with a -4 difference, Dynamos too, are on 38 with a -6 goal difference followed by Triangle, Bikita, Greenfuel and Yadah, all still mathematically unsafe.
Four teams will be relegated. With Kwekwe United already gone, the remaining three slots will be decided by results and goal difference on the final day.
Who can still go down?
All eight sides. Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds, Dynamos, Triangle, Bikita, Greenfuel and Yadah, could still finish in the bottom four depending on how results and goal swings play out.
Possible final points tally,
• Highlanders / Chicken Inn / Dynamos / Manica: 38 (loss) / 39 (draw) / 41 (win)
• Triangle / Bikita: 37 / 38 / 40
• Greenfuel: 36 / 37 / 39
• Yadah: 35 / 36 / 38
Any team that reaches 40 or more will be safe. Those ending on 38 or 39 points will be left sweating over goal difference, the fine line between survival and the drop. — @FungaiMuderere.
