adminFreedom Mutanda Sports Correspondent
NEW Year’s Gift is at the summit of the Chimanimani/Chipinge Division 3 soccer log with 11 rounds of league matches played so far in the season. Tingamira F.C, that has played a game less, is just a point behind as it threatens to take over leadership if the current log leaders fail to pick maximum points in the next match. Competition is very stiff although the number of teams does not reflect the size of the two districts that make up the Division 3.
In an interview with The Manica Post on Monday this week, Innocent Mlilo, the Chipinge/Chimanimani ZIFA chairperson, expressed satisfaction with the progress that has been made so far in the league that he superintends.
“I am happy that two more teams joined the fray. Notwithstanding the economic challenges bedevilling companies and communities, the eleven teams are fulfilling fixtures although Rusitu and Chimanimani football teams still have a mammoth task to catch up with the other teams. Notably, the games have been played in a spirit of fair play and respect. The office hasn’t received reports of violence during matches; that is commendable and should be the norm anyway,’’ the soft spoken administrator said.
Roscommon Football Club is finding the going tough in the lower league. From 11 games, it has collected a paltry two points. It has taken the unfashionable title ‘whipping boys’.
Rusitu and Chimanimani have accrued four and three points respectively.
Mlilo expects the coming games to be exciting as the relegation dog-fight begins.
“Expect spirited play in the second half of the season as every team plays to avoid the dreaded chop at the end of the season. However, competition is there in the league if one looks at the league standings critically. A point separates the four leading teams. That is healthy but I would like to urge the other teams to give the leading teams a run for their money,’’ the affable chairperson said.
The weekend has mouth-watering fixtures in different areas through-out the two districts. The log leaders New Year’s Gift face new boys Chimanimani in a match that can derail the leading team.
Online Reporter