Peter Tanyanyiwa
Lawrence Moyo
PREMIERSHIP newcomers, Scottland are hoping to return to the summit of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for the first time since their one-week stint between March 7 and 14 when they host stubborn ZPC Kariba at Rufaro this afternoon.
Scottland went top of the league on MatchDay 2 after a 2-0 win over CAPS United but their stay at the summit lasted just one week as they were beaten 1-0 at home by former champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro.
Since then, the league leadership has largely belonged to fellow newcomers, MWOS and reigning champions, Simba Bhora.
Going into today’s match, Scottland are in second place and one point behind leaders Simba Bhora.
With a better goal difference, Scottland will goal top even with a draw, but this might only be for 24 hours as Simba Bhora travel to third-placed MWOS tomorrow.
To stay top beyond 24 hours, Scottland must win and then hope that MWOS avoid defeat against Simba Bhora at Ngoni Stadium tomorrow.
ZPC Kariba are no pushovers and have forced many illustrious opponents to frustrating draws and they will be inspired to do the same against the star-studded hosts.
Scottland are the Premiership’s inform team as they go into the match at the back of five successive victories since losing to CAPS United in June.
Today, coach Tonderai Ndiraya will be forced into making changes to his defence as impressive Albert “Bolo” Manenji, playing as a left back, will be missing after accumulating three yellow cards together with defensive midfielder Kingsley Mureremba.
MWOS seek redemption
Scottland’s bitter rivals, MWOS have the second worst record over the past five matchdays, managing just two points from a possible 15.
MWOS coach, Lloyd Mutasa expects a tough battle against Simba Bhora. He however, feels they have already overachieved and being part of the title equation is a bonus for the Norton outfit.
“It’s a very tough encounter for us. I have always said that there are no easy matches in the Premier League, especially in the second half of the season when teams know exactly what they need to do to either win the league or survive relegation.
“We have punched above our weight and anything that we will be gaining is a bonus and we also appreciate that you never know God’s time. Our ways are different to God’s ways, and we will give it our best shot and see where it takes us.”
MWOS will be missing the services of impressive midfielder, Nigel Matina through suspension.
Dynamos’ must-win trip to Gweru
Dynamos midfielder, Temptation Chiwunga who scored from the spot when they floored MWOS 1-0 in their previous match, believes DeMbare have a good chance of surviving the drop.
“We haven’t been at our best due to many reasons but where we are at the moment requires everyone to be at his best.
“We are down but not out because everyone knows what we have to do to secure our place in the PSL next season.
“Our coaches have been doing the best they can in working with our mental aspect of the game and I also want to urge our fans to keep up the support because that is all we need in our last fixtures,” said Chiwunga.
Shandirwa misses Yadah reunion
Impressive midfielder, Tanaka Shandirwa will miss a reunion with Yadah when CAPS United host the Miracles Boys at Rufaro on Sunday.
Shandirwa had resumed training this week and thought he would be in line for the low-key Harare derby match.
However, he has been ruled out after accumulating three yellow cards.
Speaking before the list of suspended players was released, Shandirwa was happy to have recovered from injury and felt emotional ahead of the Yadah game.
“I’m happy to be back, injuries are part of the game and I’m happy to be back. I don’t know how it feels like to play against Yadah as it will be my first time. Yadah played a big role in my career and for that I’m forever grateful.
“We are not in a good position on the league table, but we have been trying our best and this will be another chance for us to get a positive result for our fans.”
He will now watch from the terraces.
“We want to make our fans proud in the last 10 games because they have been supportive and we appreciate their efforts.”
Online Reporter