malvernmugadzikwa
IN all likelihood, Manchester City will be crowned champions of the English Premier League (EPL) today after another instalment of a riveting and thoroughly satisfying soccer marathon.
Today will be the ultimate thriller, as, hypothetically, the championship could go either way.
Second-placed Arsenal still has a chance to win it.
This is what makes the EPL interesting and the most popular league in the world.
It is like a script of a blockbuster action movie.
But if Manchester City manages to clinch it, one of its local supporters, 22-year-old Peter Mhike, of Hotera village in Zhombe, will not be able to even vicariously join in the celebrations as he is understood to be a wanted man after killing his elder brother, Edmore (26), on March 10 this year following an argument on which team was playing better between Liverpool and Man City.
According to the police, the incident occurred when Peter was involved in an argument with one Joakim Moyo over the soccer match.
In fact, Joakim allegedly disputed the assertion that Liverpool had the “upper hand” and was going to win the game, which sparked the altercation.
Edmore reportedly tried to intervene, but his brother turned on him.
He then picked up a wooden bench, which he used to hit Peter, who, in turn, picked up a stone and struck his brother on the head.
He died on the spot.
Seeing that he had murdered his own brother in typical Cain-Abel fashion, he made a run for it.
As unfortunate as this incident might be, it just shows the passion with which our people support the EPL.
But we must give credit where it is due — the league never disappoints.
The athleticism, passion and big-money moves add to the intrigue that makes it super-exciting.
Even the sides that will be fighting relegation, such as Marvelous Nakamba’s Luton Town, which needs nothing short of a miracle to survive today, provide full entertainment value.
This is what makes it a money-spinning industry for Britain.
So, it provides both money and entertainment for its people.
For example, in December, the EPL agreed a new deal with Sky and TNT Sports in which it would receive a staggering £6,7 billion (about US$7,6 billion) over four years for its UK television rights.
Sadly, with the finale, this all ends today.
It is a time that is even dreaded by our major satellite TV service, for subscribers usually drop, or stop altogether. Control of the remote control similarly changes, with focus switching from football to Telemundos or those South Africa drama series.
Hopefully, focus will shift to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, which has largely been eventful off, rather than on, the field of play.
Chegutu Pirates continue to grab headlines for the wrong reasons and some fans are still misbehaving.
Save for a few matches that have been eye-catching, most encounters have been underwhelming.
Bra Shakes just hopes that the clash between CAPS and Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium will live up to expectations today.
From now until the EPL resumes, probably in three months, our local league has time for redemption.
It has the time to court estranged supporters and fans to the stadium once again.
But judging by what we have seen thus far, our football needs prayers and salvation.
Until next time.
Peace!
Yours Sincerely,
Bra Shake.
Online Reporter