Online Reporter
Tendai Chara-Zimpapers Sports Hub
“It is not over until it is over.”
That is exactly the situation in the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League, where even though the season is past the halfway mark, no team is guaranteed promotion or safety from relegation.
With 14 matches still remaining and 42 points to fight for, the race at both ends of the table is still tight and unpredictable.
Last week’s results showed how open everything remains.
Harare City beat league leaders Black Rhinos and instead of ending the promotion race, the match tightened it.
Black Rhinos still sit atop with 53 points, but Harare City are only now just a point behind.
A closer look at the log standings, also shows that the promotion race is not only for the top two as third-placed Ngezi U19 and Chingwere who are fourth are also still within striking range for the title, albeit as rank outsiders.
Even G&T Mine, who are nine points behind, can still turn things around if teams’ results go their way.
Jumbo Giants and Willard Katsande’s FC Oden who are both on 43 points knwow that while the title may have slipped from their grip, they will be eager for string finishes and grantees themselves places in the top eight.
Finishing among the top bracket guarantees teams slot in the Super 8 Cup.
It means a strong run over the final 14 matches could see the face of the log table changing every weekend.
At the bottom end, the relegation battle is just as lively.
Marere’s 3-0 win over CP Chemicals changed the pressure on both teams.
CP Chemicals are currently in sixth place, but Marere are proving they are not yet finished and condemned to relegation as they are just five points behind Rangers, who are in 19th place.
Four teams will be relegated at the end of the 2026 season.
Fixtures (Kick-off 3pm):
Today:
Chingwere vs Harare City (Pfupajena)
Batanai vs Chegutu Pirates (Trojan)
PAM vs Shamva Mine (Muriel)
Karoi vs Banket (Chikangwe)
Black Rhinos vs Jumbo Giants (Commando Barracks)
Golden Eagles vs Zambezi Gas &Coal (Ellis Robins)
Tomorrow:
Ngezi U19 vs FC Oden (Baobab)
CP Chemicals vs Cranborne Bullets (Gwanzura)
G&T Mine vs Highrange (Pfupajena)
Rangers vs MWOS U19 (Chinhoyi Stadium)
