High stakes for Southern Region: Relegation battle could see three teams drop

ZIFA Southern Region is bracing itself for a potentially devastating blow as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) relegation battle reaches its climax this afternoon, with the real possibility of losing three teams in a single season.

Three teams are not safe from the axe: Bulawayo Chiefs on 36 points, and Bikita Minerals and Hwange, both tied on 35 points. With Arenel already relegated, the fate of Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange hangs in the balance. A worst-case scenario would see the region lose three teams in one season, dealing a significant blow.

The implications are far-reaching for Highlanders and Chicken Inn, who face increased travel costs and a tougher title chase with more away games. Away games are notoriously difficult to win in the local league. The relegation battle’s outcome is certain to significantly impact the region’s football landscape.

ZPC Kariba, with 38 points from 33 matches, are virtually safe by virtue of a goal difference of minus two. While either Bikita Minerals or Hwange, who have 35 points, can catch up with ZPC Kariba on 38 points, their goal differences make it impossible to finish higher.

Bikita Minerals are at minus 11, while Hwange have minus 16. It would need ZPC Kariba, who have the league’s joint best defence, to lose by at least five goals while Bikita Minerals win by a four-goal margin and Bulawayo Chiefs win at Sakubva for the unthinkable to happen.

Interestingly, Bikita Minerals face Hwange at Wadzanayi Stadium. Hwange, despite their dramatic 4-3 win over Highlanders last time out, still require an outright victory to ensure safety. The stakes are high, with Chiefs risking relegation if they fail to secure three points and the Bikita Minerals-Hwange match produces a winner.

Historically, 39 points have been enough to avoid relegation since 2017, but last season Yadah needed 40 points to survive. Bulawayo City and Chapungu previously survived with 39 points in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Bulawayo Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda has urged his players to remain calm ahead of their crucial relegation showdown against Manica Diamonds this afternoon. Sibanda acknowledged the pressure but emphasised the importance of composure.

“It’s a tricky situation, but we must cope with stress and anxiety. We can’t put ourselves under too much pressure. The players need to remain calm, regardless of the situation. Manica Diamonds are a good side with nothing to lose, so it won’t be easy,” said Sibanda.

Last season, Bulawayo Chiefs survived relegation on the final day after drawing 2-2 at home to Manica Diamonds. Chiefs will be without injured midfielder Nkosilathi Ncube, a significant blow to their survival bid. It has been a difficult season for Chiefs, who lost almost half of their squad during the mid-season transfer window.

It was a period that saw the duo of Tatenda Ndlovu and Malvin Sithole leave to join Wangu Mazodze in the Central Region Division One League, while Nkosiyabo Masilela and the experienced Xolisani Moyo joined TelOne. Masilela is said to have been on the Highlanders’ radar before eventually settling for TelOne.

Highlanders got Never Rauzhi on loan, while defender and captain, Malvern Hativagoni is now with Ngezi Platinum.
Barring very strange results, the top four positions have been sealed regardless of the weekend’s results, as goal differences cannot realistically be overturned in one round of matches.

Champions Simba Bhora, who will be crowned at Nyamhunga Stadium in Kariba tomorrow, have 66 points and enjoy a four-point advantage over second-placed FC Platinum, who have a six-point gap with outgoing champions Ngezi Platinum.

While the gap between Ngezi Platinum and fourth-placed Manica Diamonds is just three points, the deposed champions have a goal difference of plus 21, while the Gem Boys have plus seven, and it will take a 14-goal swing for there to be a change in the third and fourth positions. As such, it is a foregone conclusion that the top four will be Simba Bhora, FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum, and Manica Diamonds, in that order.

In other PSL matches set for this weekend, Chicken Inn will play Herentals at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon, while Greenfuel entertain Dynamos at the GreenFuel Arena. New champions Simba Bhora will face ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga Stadium, where they will officially be crowned champions. Tomorrow, CAPS United will battle Ngezi Platinum Stars, while Highlanders play host to Yadah.

Castle Lager PSL Week 34 Fixtures:

Saturday:
Bikita Minerals v Hwange (Wadzanayi), Greenfuel v Dynamos (Greenfuel Arena), Manica Diamonds v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), ZPC Kariba v Simba Bhora (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v TelOne (Mandava), Arenel Movers v Chegutu Pirates (Luveve), Herentals v Chicken Inn (Rufaro),

Sunday
Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), CAPS United v Ngezi Platinum.
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