
Innocent Kurira
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League returns this weekend with a full fixture list as the season enters its twilight stages.
Following the international break, local football action resumes with several key matches. One of the stand-out fixtures is the clash between Manica Diamonds and Highlanders at Sakubva Stadium in Mutare on Sunday.
The reverse fixture at Barbourfields Stadium ended 1-1, with Brighton Ncube scoring for Bosso and Tawanda Macheke netting in for Manica Diamonds.

Manica Diamonds and Highlanders are tied on 44 points, with Highlanders occupying third place courtesy of a superior goal difference. However, Manica Diamonds will be without the trio of Trevor Mavhunga, Tawanda Chisi and goalkeeper Tadios Baye for the crucial encounter.

Bosso coach, Kelvin Kaindu said the international break allowed some of his players to recover from knocks and other minor injuries. However, striker Nqobile Ndlovu is ruled out of their league clash against Manica Diamonds.
“We are happy to welcome our Under-20 players that have returned from national team duty. This has helped us in terms of squad depth, something that we have struggled with of late. Ndlovu will, however, miss the Sunday game, but we still expect a good game of football,” said Kaindu.

Table-toppers, Simba Bhora (60 points) lead second-placed FC Platinum by nine points. Simba Bhora are eyeing their maiden league title in this campaign and as things stand, they are favourites to win it.
The log leaders will be travelling to Harare to face Herentals at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what should be yet another test of their title credentials.

On the same day, FC Platinum will welcome Yadah Stars at Mandava Stadium.
Chegutu Pirates are away to Ngezi Platinum Stars at Baobab Stadium on Saturday.
Hwange, will make a long trip to Nyamhunga Stadium to face ZPC Kariba on Saturday, while Bikita Minerals, also promoted to the top league this year, host Green Fuel at Sakubva Stadium on the same days. Bulawayo Chiefs clash with CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
Fixtures
Saturday: Bikita Minerals vs Green Fuel, Sakubva, ZPC Kariba vs Hwange (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum vs Yadah (Mandava), Herentals vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro), Chicken Inn vs TelOne (Luveve), Ngezi Platinum Stars vs Chegutu Pirates (Baobab)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds vs Highlanders (Sakubva), Arenel Movers vs Dynamos (Barbourfields), CAPS United vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)