Online ReporterCurtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT is getting hotter in the riveting Northern Region Soccer League title race, with N’ombeyawora and Agama pulling away from the rest of the chasing pack.
And if Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera’s men are the league’s team to beat this season, Agama are the side sharpening the knives to do just that.
With unshaken ambition, N’ombeyawora have made no secret of their quest for the championship title and Saruchera yesterday warned his opponents that his side have returned from the mid-season break even stronger.
The former Black Rhinos coach will take his N’ombeyawora to Mutorashanga tomorrow for a date with PAM at Muriel Mine, which he noted was a tricky assignment for them.
“Not an easy game but we have prepared enough. Everyone is ready to deliver including the new acquisitions.
“We now have a better team than in the first round,’’ Saruchera said.
But after 20 gripping match days, Agama have risen to the challenge Saruchera’s men, matching their rivals’ intensity stride for stride. The two sides sit atop with 44 points each but N’ombeyawora enjoy a superior goal difference.
On their part, Agama face a stern test against Banket at Pfura, a clash coach Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni has branded a personal derby.
Banket are his former paymasters.
“It’s a big game, a derby for me,” Chimalizeni said.
“But we must win to hold our position; nothing else matters. We’re taking it one game at a time, no unnecessary pressure.”
Nail-biting finishes have over the last few years characterised the NRSL title races, with the champions often crowned only on the final day. This season, seems fans are in for another heart-stopping climax.
While Agama and N’ombeyawora lead the race, lurking just behind are, Golden Eagles who have quietly built momentum, amassing 37 points to sit in third place.
Fourth-placed Black Rhinos have 36 points.
But with 18-matches remaining, the battle for supremacy is far from over.
Fixtures (Kick-off 1400Hrs)
Today: FC Oden, vs Black Mambas (Chinhoyi), Ngezi U-19 vs Karoi United (Baobab), Cranborne Bullets vs Zambezi (Commando Barracks)
Saturday: Agama vs Banket United (Pfura), Ali Sundowns vs Trojan Stars (Wagadhugu), Chinhoyi Rangers vs Chinhoyi Stars (Chinhoyi), Harare City vs Shamva (Gwanzura), PAM vs N’ombeyawora (Muriel Mine), Chegutu Pirates vs MWOS U-19 (Pfupajena), Black Rhinos vs Golden Eagles (Heart Stadium).
