Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHAMPIONS Herentals Queens’ bid to retain their title has come under siege from the chasing pack following a recent three-point loss to Kwekwe Queens due to a dispute over a match scheduled for April 26.
The ZIFA Appeals Committee awarded Kwekwe Queens three points on a 3-0 scoreline after Herentals were found guilty of last-minute venue changes that resulted in the abortive encounter.
The verdict followed challenges over a match that was scheduled for April 26, but failed to kick off as Herentals claimed they had problems with their venue.
Herentals were initially fined US$700 by a disciplinary committee with a rescheduling of the match being ordered for a later date.
However, the Appeals Committee accepted Kwekwe Queens’ protest and set aside the disciplinary committee’s ruling.
They instead awarded the match to Kwekwe Queens.
The loss via the boardroom has brought with it some pressure on Herentals’ title aspirations given that rivals Chapungu Queens currently cling onto top spot.
Herentals Queens coach Simbarashe Dedza appears unfazed by the Kwekwe Queens setback.
“It is part of the game so we did not read much into the outcome.
“We are running our own race, aiming to defend the title once again so we will not allow the verdict to make us lose focus, our eyes are on the prize.”
Chapungu with 30 points from 11 games lead two ahead of Herentals and Correctional Queens who occupy second and third spots.
However, there is stiff competition in the league with very little margin for error.
Dedza is also aware of the 2024 race which went to the wire with Herentals just edging Black Rhinos Queens for the title by a single point despite losing their own potential championship decider 1-0 to the army side.
“Last season we won the league with a point above Rhinos so this season we would have loved to collect every point up to the last day,” said Dedza.
“So, with this situation, it means that we cannot afford to lose another game along the way.
“We are now in a precarious position where any further slip-ups could be fatal to our championship defence aspirations.”
Dedza believes there is even stiffer competition this season.
As they head into the weekend fixtures Dedza urged his charges to navigate the remainder of the season without any additional losses.
“We must draw inspiration from last season’s experience and ensure that we do not falter again,” he said.
They face a cagey assignment against Platinum Royals at Mandava tomorrow.
“This time we need to be mentally strong, our battles will be won in the mind so we will have to look at this aspect of the game more often than before,” he said.
Meanwhile Red Buffaloes and Black Mambas occupy the bottom spots of the table without a point to their names in 10 games.
Fixtures: (11am Unless stated)
Today: Black Mambas vs Harare City (Mkushi Academy); Chapungu vs Faith Drive (Manyame Airbase); Maningi vs Black Rhinos (The Heart); Red Buffalos vs Sheasham (Vengere); Correctional Queens vs Conduit (Wagadhugu); Mpopoma vs Kwekwe United (Bulawayo Chiefs Village)
Tomorrow: Highlanders Royals vs Cranborne Royals (Bulawayo Chiefs Village-9am); Platinum Royals vs Herentals Queens (Mandava)
