Innocent Kurira [email protected]
MANICA Diamonds head to Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday with their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League survival hopes hanging by a thread, but Highlanders are unlikely to offer them a lifeline as they pursue a strong finish to their centenary season.
The bottom placed Mutare-based side face an uphill task in their fight to avoid relegation, with their poor away record adding to their troubles.
They have managed just one victory on the road this season, a record that hardly inspires confidence ahead of a daunting assignment against Bosso.
Manica Diamonds, on 20 points, need a near-perfect finish to their remaining matches to give themselves any chance of survival, but even maximum points from their remaining fixtures would take them only to 32 points yet over the years 39 points is what guarantees safety.
However, their fate could become clearer this weekend, with Bulawayo Chiefs hosting Ngezi Platinum Stars at Luveve Stadium.
A victory for Chiefs would take them to 34 points and put them beyond Manica Diamonds’ reach, while ZPC Kariba are already on 32 points, with goal difference also likely to prove crucial.
It is a desperate situation for a side that needs every available point, but Highlanders have their own ambitions and cannot afford to be charitable.
Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari has been insisting that they want to finish as high possible having managed to get his target of ensuring the team does not fight relegation in this campaign.
They are on position eight with 42 points.
With a possible Chibuku Super Cup triumph also in their sights, there is still plenty to play for at the business end of their centenary campaign.
That ambition leaves little room for complacency against a Manica Diamonds side whose need for points could make them dangerous opponents.
Highlanders will be expected to take the initiative at home, but they must also guard against desperation driving their visitors to produce a determined performance.
Sunday’s encounter comes after a busy period for Bosso, whose centenary celebrations suffered a setback with defeat to Dynamos. A positive response in front of their home supporters would help restore confidence and keep their league ambitions alive.
The weekend programme begins tomorrow, with ZPC Kariba hosting Agama at Nyamhunga Stadium, FC Platinum entertaining CAPS United at Mandava and Simba Bhora taking on Herentals College at Wadzanayi.
MWOS meet Triangle at Ngoni Stadium, Bulawayo Chiefs play host to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Luveve, TelOne face Hunters at Ascot, while Dynamos take on Hardrock at Rufaro Stadium.
Scottland’s match against Chicken Inn has been postponed because of the former’s participation in the CAF Champions League.
Manica Diamonds may arrive needing a miracle, but Bosso have their own targets to chase.
Tomorrow
ZPC Kariba v Agama (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum v CAPS United (Mandava), Simba Bhora v Herentals College (Wadzanayi Stadium) MWOS v Triangle (Ngoni Stadium), Bulawayo Chiefs v Ngezi Platinum
(Luveve Stadium), TelOne v Hunters (Ascot Stadium) Dynamos v Hardrock (Rufaro Stadium), Highlanders v Manica Diamonds (Barbourfields Stadium)
Scottland v Chicken Inn (postponed)
