Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ATTENTION may shift to the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals this weekend, but Castle Lager Premiership teams with an Eastern Region connection – all facing real danger of relegation – are experiencing anxiety as they confront each other on the final day of the 2025 top-flight league season.
The Castle Lager Premiership fixtures feature Manica Diamonds against Bikita Minerals and GreenFuel hosting Triangle on the season’s final day. These four teams comprise the Eastern Region’s representatives in this year’s Castle Lager Premiership.
Regrettably, the region’s prospects appear bleak, with the four teams clustered together, occupying positions 12th to 15th in the latest league standings. The Premier Soccer League relegates four teams annually, from positions 15th to 18th.
Following 31 league match rounds, 12th-placed Bikita Minerals have accumulated 36 points, Triangle (13th) have 34 points, 14th-placed GreenFuel have 34 points, and 15th-placed Manica Diamonds also have 34 points.
It is plausible that this year’s relegation outcome could hinge on goal difference, and Bikita Minerals, despite their current 12th position, are acutely aware that they will suffer most if this scenario unfolds.
In their remaining fixtures, Bikita Minerals face fellow relegation contenders, Dynamos, Simba Bhora, and Manica Diamonds.
Triangle’s upcoming matches include MWOS, Kwekwe United, and GreenFuel.
GreenFuel will have to negotiate their way past TelOne and Triangle in their remaining three fixtures of the season, while Manica Diamonds have Ngezi Platinum, Highlanders and Bikita Minerals, before the curtain comes down on the 2025 Premiership season.
However, it is the duels pitting the Eastern Region clubs up against each other on the final day of the season that are most likely to end in brother stabbing brother, teams from the same region shoving each other down the aisles of relegation.
Bikita Minerals coach, Wilson Mutekede, expressed disappointment that Eastern Region teams will be competing against each other on the final day, potentially leading to relegation for one or more teams.
“It is sad that it has to end this way, and there is little we can do about it. Teams from the Eastern Region will have to fight each other on the last day of the season, and it will not be surprising to have one or two teams from the region relegated,” said Mutekede. Manica Diamonds coach, Tafadzwa Mashiri, focused on the upcoming match against Ngezi Platinum, emphasising its importance in avoiding relegation.
“Our game against Ngezi is crucial for us. We really need a positive result to avoid further sliding into the relegation zone. It is a big match. Our opponents are in form. We need to prepare well and work on our weaknesses, especially converting chances,” he said.
Mashiri believes avoiding relegation remains achievable.
“The relegation fight continues. Unfortunately, we thought that by this time of the season, we would have eased the situation. We really need to fight hard and aim to win our games. The destiny is still in our hands. We need to do what we are supposed to do. It is achievable,” he said.
