onlinemedia
Howard Musonza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League has fractured into two clear battles with no middle ground. From Ngezi Platinum Stars in seventh on 40 points up to leaders Simba Bhora on 50, seven sides are still dreaming of glory. Below them, from ZPC Kariba in eighth with 31 points down to Dynamos in 17th on 22, it’s a survival scrap. With nine matches left, every point is loaded with consequence.
Matchday 25 captured the chaos. Leaders Simba Bhora snatched a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time to edge MWOS 1–0 at Ngoni. Highlanders collapsed 2–0 at home to TelOne and CAPS United sank deeper after losing 2–1 to Yadah. Triangle stunned FC Platinum 2–0, while Dynamos finally showed fight with a 3–0 win over Kwekwe United, though they remain trapped in the relegation zone.
At the top, it’s now about nerves. Simba Bhora host bottom-placed Kwekwe United on Saturday, but coach Joel Luphahla is guarding against complacency.
“We talked to the boys about the importance of remaining calm and enjoy their game as we count down to the end of the season.”
The headline fixture of Matchday 26 comes at Rufaro where Herentals and Scottland collide in a top-of-the-table clash. It’s a battle that could reshape the title race, and fans will not miss a moment, the game will be LIVE on ZTN Prime (Channel 294 on DStv), with build-up starting at 2:30pm on Saturday. Herentals, fifth on 41 points, are pushing for their best ever finish. Coach Paul Benza is refusing to get carried away.
“Our target remains the same. We finished fifth last year and we should be better than that this season. What we need to do is just take each game as it comes.”
Scottland, second after seven straight wins, have momentum and hunger. Coach Tonderayi Ndiraya stressed the psychological test.
“Winning matches is one thing; maintaining consistency is another. The final stretch demands mental and physical strength. We’re focused on our own path. If our forwards keep scoring, we’ll be in the mix until the end.”
Herentals are unbeaten in five, while Scottland have stacked up seven straight wins. It’s the match of the week, and television will beam it nationwide.
MWOS, who briefly led the log, travel to Manica Diamonds on Sunday needing victory to keep their fairy-tale season alive.
Three losses and two draws have blunted them, and coach Lloyd Mutasa knows pressure is mounting.
“We created plenty of chances but converting is the problem. The boys need to be reminded not to put themselves under any pressure. They should just go out and enjoy the game.”
This game will also be LIVE on ZTN Prime (Channel 294 on DStv), with pre-match build-up at 2:30pm on Sunday.
In Gweru, TelOne meet Chicken Inn in a clash with implications at both ends.
The Wi-Fi Boys are sixth on 40 points but 10 adrift of Simba Bhora, making victory essential.
Coach Herbert Maruwa was buoyed by their win at Barbourfields.
“The three points we secured are a boost, but now we must remain focused. This result should propel us to work even harder, both mentally and physically, to maintain our position at the top.”
Chicken Inn, though, are no easy prey.
Struggling earlier in the season, they’ve found their feet and are desperate to escape the relegation pull. Coach Joey Antipas warned his side must sharpen up.
“It’s a really tough game. We are playing good football but failing in the final third. We have to apply ourselves well because TelOne are a good side who have done well this season.”
Former champions FC Platinum, still with a game in hand after their fixture against Manica Diamonds was postponed to allow the club to mourn the tragic death of midfielder Brian Banda, host CAPS United. Coach Norman Mapeza insists the title is still within reach.
“We are going to the last few kilometres of the marathon and in terms of destiny, I think it’s still in our hands. If we really want to get something out of this competition we have to work hard and see how we are going to finish.”
At the bottom, survival instincts rule.
CAPS United coach Ian Bakala admitted instability is hurting their fight.
“Players coming in and out due to injuries makes us unbalanced. The fight is still there and once we have a full squad, I am confident we will climb.”
ZPC Kariba, rocked by the loss of key defender Boid Mutukure, will play Triangle at Nyamhunga in Kariba. Coach Newton Chitehwe conceded his absence is glaring.
“Yes, it is affecting us. But we have to learn to live without him and look for other ways to make these guys solid again.”
Triangle United, rejuvenated under Genesis Mangombe, are unbeaten since May. The coach highlighted collective spirit.
“When we talk of a team, we talk of every department, starting from the technical team, security agencies and also the executive at large. We are working together as a team to get these good results.”
Action starts today at The Heart Stadium where Yadah host Ngezi Platinum Stars.
Yadah coach Takaendesa Jongwe was blunt.
“This time of the season, we can’t run away from the fact that we’re in the relegation dogfight. Maximum points, no matter how they come, are very important.”
On Sunday, a relegation six-pointer at Rufaro pits Dynamos against GreenFuel. DeMbare are buoyed by four straight wins under Kelvin Kaindu.
“It’s giving us a lot of confidence and belief winning four matches in a row, but there is still a lot of work to do. It shows the bond with the players is getting strong.”
With the league split into hunters and survivors, Matchday 26 is set for more upheaval. The trophy is wide open, and so is the trapdoor.
Online Reporter