adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Northern Region Division One Soccer League resumes today, with the competition expected to get tougher as some teams fight for the title while others will be out to survive relegation. Ngezi Platinum are the log leaders. The Platinum Boys went into the break without defeat and will be out to maintain their unbeaten run when they lock horns with Blue Jets this afternoon at Baobab.
The two teams shared the spoils in their first meeting just before the mid-season break two weeks ago in a match that ended 1-1.
Ngezi Platinum coach Clifton Kadurira said they are bracing up for a tough last half of the season and admitted their unbeaten run is not making it easy for his side as they seek to maintain the fine form.
“We set the pace and every team that we are going to play is going to be difficult to beat because they have a point to prove against us. Every team wants to be the first to beat us this season and every game for us is like a Cup game,” Kadurira said.
Kadurira will be without the services of strikers Innocent Sokosi and Terrence Dzukamanja, who are out because of injuries.
Sokosi has a hamstring strain and will be missing his fifth game this week.
“We had some guys with injuries before the break and they have not yet recovered. However, we have 30 players and they are all good. So, it’s an opportunity for others to play.
“I have faith in all my players.
“I think back to back games are difficult because we know each other and so the better team of the day will win. We are geared for the game,” said Kadurira.
Third-placed Gunners have a date against army side Seven Flames and will be hoping for a win to keep the pressure on Ngezi Platinum.
The former Premiership champions have 28 points and are 11 points behind the top team.
Things are not looking well for last year’s title contenders Mushowani Stars, who are sitting on position 11.
They host Lake Harvest today in Madziva.
But with 17 games to go before the end of the season, the championship race is still wide open and the second round is likely to be an interesting one.
While most of the clubs will be active this weekend, Karoi United and Black Rhinos, who are second on the log table, will have a break again this weekend as their opponents ZRP Morris and ZRP FC are in Swaziland for the SARPCCO Games.
Fixtures:
Today: Gunners v Seven Flames (Motor Action Ground), Mushowani v Lake Harvest (Chaminuka Madziva), Herentals v Darwin (NSS), Ngezi Platinum v Blue Jets (Baobab Ngezi), Blue Swallows v Zatex (Manyame), Cargo Carriers v Starbill (GMB Aspindale), DStv Rangers v DC Academy (Old Hararians).
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