MANGOMBE FEELS SCOTTLAND CAN WIN TITANIC DIV ONE DUEL

Lawrence Moyo-Head Zimpapers Sports Hub

SCOTTLAND were the biggest winners on MatchDay 32 of the ZIFA Northern Region Division One league as their two main rivals dropped points.

Scottland were first in action, beating hosts Cranborne Bullets 3-1 at Rufaro on Friday.

Leaders MWOS were held to a 1-1 draw at Banket United while third placed Black Rhinos lost 2-1 at Trojan Stars.

MWOS took the lead early in the first half but conceded late in the second half while Black Rhinos were level 1-1 with five minutes remaining before conceding a late goal.

MWOS moved to 71 points from 32 games following an eighth draw of the season while Scottland have 66 points from 31 games.

Their abandoned match against Karoi United was being deliberated on last night and a decision will be announced any time.

Former leaders Black Rhinos are now 11 points behind MWOS and are fizzling out of the championship race following a poor second half of the campaign.

Effectively, the NRSL has been reduced to a two-horse race pitting leaders MWOS and Scottland.

Mangombe believes Scottland have a good chance in the race if they just take each game as it comes and avoid looking too far ahead.

“The race is okay, so far so good. However, the pressure is growing and we now need to manage our expectations, especially the supporters.

“The Scottland supporters should not focus on MWOS, let’s worry about our own games and see what happens.

“Six games are a lot and there is still a lot to play for. For us, the urgent issue is about goals so that we close the gap on MWOS in terms of goal difference.

“We must focus on more than winning, we need to win big so that by the end of the season we should even be comfortable with finishing level on points with MWOS.

“So, even our preparations going forward should be about utilising our chances so that we improve on our goal difference.”

Scottland, who have just one game outside of Harare remaining, will host Norton Community this weekend on MatchDay 33 with revenge on the menu. Norton Community are one of five teams to beat Scottland so far this season and Mangombe believes they will come to Harare on a mission to do MWOS a big favour.

“My biggest worry is complacency after a big win against a very strong Cranborne Bullets side on Friday. The boys might think its an easy game and that will create problems for us.

“On their part, Norton Community obviously believe they represent Norton and will be fighting for their brothers, MWOS.

“So, if we are not careful they will ruin our season. We might be better resourced than Norton Community but they have already beaten us and they have nothing to lose when we play them. All the pressure will be on us,” said Mangombe.

Remaining Six Matches

MWOS

1. Trojan Stars (Home)

2. Golden Eagles (Away)

3. Black Mambas (Away)

4. CCLEE Mhangura (Away)

5. Norton Community (Home)

6. Agama (Home)

SCOTTLAND

1. Norton Community (Home)

2. Chinhoyi Stars (Away)

3. DZ Royal Stars (Away)