Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
BULAWAYO Chiefs will count on home support when they engage FC Hunters in a must-win Castle Lager Premiership tie at Luveve on Saturday.
The Bulawayo lads did themselves a big favour by beating Manica Diamonds 1-0 in their Round 32 Premiership match two weekends ago. It was a sweet away victory that pulled them out of the ambers and reduced anxiety and relegation fears that were now hovering over their heads.
The win took them to 13th and one more win with two matches to go will all but secure their place in next year’s Premiership.
After the FC Hunters game, Bulawayo Chiefs will travel to Gweru for a final 2026 match against already relegated TelOne.
But the most crucial game will be the Saturday match, as there are about four teams in the mix. Manica Diamonds and TelOne have already been confirmed as relegated but Agama who will be away to Chicken Inn on Sunday and occupy the last relegation position, pose a threat to ZPC Kariba and Chiefs.
Agama can end the season with 37 points but have a weaker goal difference than Chiefs who need just the next match to get the assurance safety bridge 37. They have 31 points going into their match against the Gamecocks.
Agama will end the season against Highlanders at home, a very unpredictable side which will be eager to finish in the top eight on the table.
ZPC Kariba are a place above Agama with 33 points while Chiefs’ 34 presents a dangerous position and puts them under pressure to achieve on Saturday.
A decent turnout by supporters is expected at Luveve as Bulawayans fight for the third slot to stay in the city.
Once home to AmaZulu, Highlanders, Railstars, Zimbabwe Saints and Njube Sundowns at some stage for a consistent four teams, the city is desperate to retain the three.
At the top Scottland will be hoping for the near impossible, which is getting Hardrock to lose its last two matches or at least draw one.
Scottland would have to beat Herentals whom they play host to, at the weekend and finish off with Triangle praying that the league’s most exciting side and log leaders, Hardrock fall to Simba Bhora and FC Platinum respectively.
Hardrock’s opponents look tough tests than what Scottland is still to face.
