Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) title race enters another crucial phase this afternoon and Thursday with a packed midweek programme that could further tighten the battle for the championship while intensifying the fight against relegation.
Following a dramatic Week 23 in which Highlanders stunned leaders Scottland FC and Triangle United shocked Hardrock, there is little time for recovery as the league’s leading contenders return to action knowing that every point is becoming increasingly valuable.
League leaders Scottland, still on 49 points despite their defeat in Bulawayo, will be under pressure to respond when they host Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon. The Harare side knows another slip could hand fresh hope to the chasing pack, while Chiefs travel to the capital eager to end a run of back-to-back defeats that has stalled their campaign.
One of the standout fixtures of the midweek programme takes place at Mandava Stadium, where Dynamos face aFC Platinum side that has quietly gathered momentum in recent weeks. DeMbare remain firmly in the title race obut were left frustrated after dropping two valuable points against Simba Bhora. FC Platinum, fresh from a morale-boosting victory over Bulawayo Chiefs, will fancy their chances on home soil.
Highlanders will also be looking to build on their memorable victory over Scottland when they travel to Nyamhunga Stadium to face ZPC Kariba. Bosso’s confidence is expected to be sky-high after ending the leaders’ nine-match unbeaten run, but they face a Kariba side that boosted its survival hopes with an important victory over TelOne last weekend.
Chicken Inn have an opportunity to continue their recent revival when they host TelOne at Luveve Stadium. The GameCocks secured a priceless victory over FC Hunters in Week 23 and another three points would move them further away from the relegation battle. TelOne, meanwhile, have little room for error as they continue fighting to avoid the drop.
Another intriguing contest sees Simba Bhora host MWOS at Wadzanayi Stadium. Both sides have enjoyed respectable campaigns and will be aiming to strengthen their positions in the top half of the table.
Attention then shifts to Thursday when Ngezi Platinum Stars visit Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium. Ngezi have quietly emerged as Scottland’s closest challengers after another hard-fought victory over Herentals, but Triangle will be full of belief after producing the shock result of the season against Hardrock.
Hardrock themselves cannot afford another stumble when they take on Agama at Wadzanayi Stadium. The surprise defeat to Triangle denied them the chance to close the gap on Scottland, making Thursday’s encounter a must-win if they are to remain firmly in the championship hunt.
The midweek programme concludes at Rufaro Stadium where CAPS United welcome FC Hunters.
With Scottland leading the standings on 49 points, Ngezi Platinum Stars on 43 and CAPS United, Dynamos and Hardrock all locked on 42 points, the championship race remains finely balanced.
Week 24 Fixtures
Wednesday
Simba Bhora FC vs MWOS FC (Wadzanayi Stadium), Chicken Inn FC vs TelOne FC (Luveve Stadium), ZPC Kariba FC vs Highlanders FC (Nyamhunga Stadium), FC Platinum vs Dynamos FC (Mandava Stadium), Scottland FC vs Bulawayo Chiefs FC (Rufaro Stadium)
Thursday
Triangle United FC vs Ngezi Platinum Stars FC (Gibbo Stadium), Agama FC vs Hardrock FC (Wadzanayi Stadium), CAPS United FC vs FC Hunters (Rufaro Stadium)-@FungaiMuderere
