Peter Tanyanyiwa
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOLLOWING a three-week mid-season break the Northern Region Soccer League roars back to life tomorrow with clubs reloaded and ready for a fierce and decisive phase.
Ambitious newboys N’ombeyawora lead the standings on superior goal difference after accumulating the same number of points —41 — as second-placed Agama.
Regular campaigners, Golden Eagles (36 points) and Black Rhinos (34 points) are within shouting distance, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Although they were officially on a break, the clubs have literally been busy up-scaling their preparations and boosting their teams with some new acquisitions.
Chinhoyi Rangers, pulled off a coup, snapping up last season’s Soccer Star Delight Gandari from Banket United.
With the title race tighter similar to last season, when Black Rhinos led with 41 points at this stage, every transfer could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.
N’ombeyawora have chosen to keep their opponents and fans in curiosity as they have not yet revealed their new acquisitions.
Their coach, Nesbert “Yabo’’ Saruchera, said they would make their transfer business a “surprise for everyone’’.
“This time we have used a different approach. It’s a surprise. We have bolstered our squad from defence up to the strike force,” said Saruchera.
“We are now more dangerous than we were before. We have rectified a lot of things. Just come and see us in our next game,” he said.
N’ombeyawora are set for a date against Ngezi Platinum U-19 tomorrow at The Heart Stadium.
On the lower end of the table, a survival battle is slowly brewing up by each game going in the second half with the last eight teams separated by just six points.
Karoi United who are on 13th position, have amassed 22 points while Shamva who are anchoring the standings have 16 points.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Region Soccer League, week 18 fixtures are set with FC Hunters tied with Masvingo United on 38 points and separated by superior goal difference.
Tenax are a point behind second-placed Masvingo United with 37 points.
Renco Mine are anchoring the log standings with 8 points. St Paul’s Musami (9) and Manica Diamonds U-19 (10) completes the bottom three.
Below are the confirmed transfers by NRSL
Black Rhinos:
– Ben Ndembe (Trojan Stars)
– Ashton Mashoro (Hardrock)
– Tapiwa Allan Antonio (Cranborne)
Black Mambas:
– Allan Pamire (New Signing)
– Brian Kusinyera (FC Platinum)
– Privilege Mugandani (N’ombeyawora)
PAM FC:
– Shepherd Maradza, Farai Sibanda, Elite Maseko, Tavonga Marasha (all from MSU)
– Trust Marima (Renco Mine)
– Alvin Tayo (Ngezi Platinum U19)
Zambezi G&C:
– Hardlife Zimunya, Malcom Dhliwayo (FC Wangu Mazodze)
– Takudzwa Karinge (TelOne)
– George Dzikiti (Ali Sundowns)
NRSL fixtures: (kick-off 1400Hrs)
Tomorrow:
Shamva vs PAM (Shamva Mine), N’ombeyawora vs Ngezi U-19 (The Heart Stadium)
Saturday:
Karoi vs MWOS (Chikangwe), Golden Eagles vs Harare City (Ellis Robins), Zambezi G&C vs Black Rhinos (Centenary Sports Club), Chinhoyi Stars vs Cranborne Bullets (Chinhoyi Stadium), Trojan Stars vs Chinhoyi Rangers (Trojan Mine), Black Mambas vs Ali Sundowns (Mkushi Academy), Banket United vs FC Oden (Kuwadzana), Agama vs Chegutu Pirates (Pfura)
ERSL: (kick-off 1500Hrs)
Mutare City Rovers vs Manica Diamonds U-19(Sakubva), Destiny Stars vs Tenax (postponed)
Saturday:
Buffaloes vs FC Wangu Mazodze (Vengere), GZU vs FC Hunters (Gaths Mine), Tongogara vs Renco Mine (Ratings)
Sunday:
Rusitu Tigers vs Masvingo United (Ndima), St Paul’s Musami vs Chivhu (Rudhaka), Deportivo La Murambiwa (Bye)
Online Reporter