adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
STRUGGLING Lowveld side Chiredzi United could have bade farewell to the Premiership at the weekend when they lost at home to Bantu Rovers. The new-boys are stuck at the basement of the log table and it now appears no miracle can save them from the impending relegation, following the 0-1 home loss to Bantu Rovers. With 14 points in the bag, Chiredzi could still be hanging on because of technicalities.
Gishon Ntini’s men are likely to forfeit points on walk-over basis to Chapungu after arriving for a league match 30 minutes late and without player licences last month. The PSL, however, are still to make a decision as Chiredzi keep their fingers crossed hoping for a replay.
The new-boys are arguing that they had a breakdown along the way to Ascot, which they communicated to the league and match officials on time. The team’s coach Gishon Ntini was still defiant yesterday. “There are still some teams on 27 points but honestly it will not be easy to get points at this stage of the campaign. It’s day-dreaming to say that a team can win all five games.
“But the season is not over yet.
“We are keeping our focus. We need to be as professional as we can be because we are playing for survival. It’s even trickier because most of the teams that we are going to play, probably except Highlanders and FC Platinum, are also in the relegation puzzle.
“So there are not going to be any favours to anyone. Any team that wants points should have to work hard for it,” said Ntini.
Bantu Rovers’ win at Chiredzi could have come a little too late as they are still seven points below the cut-off point with 21 points from 25 starts. The bottom eight teams are all not safe from the chop but it was Shabanie Mine who had a slight relief when they moved two places up to 14th place following the 1-0 win over Chapungu on Sunday.
Shabanie Mine are now on 29 points and coach Jairos Tapera said they were looking to continue on a positive path.
“This was a very important win because it came at a time we needed it the most. Maybe it will help the boys to get their confidence back. It’s a sign that if we can apply ourselves well in the remaining games we can get what we want to avoid relegation.
“We have been talking to the players continuously about the need to move out of the danger zone. So we will try to remain positive,” said Tapera.
Army side Black Rhinos and Triangle lost at the weekend and are still deep in the relegation mix.
Meanwhile, the league will take a break this weekend to pave way for the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals.
All the matches will be played at Rufaro on Saturday and Sunday.
Chibuku Super Cup
Semi-finals
Saturday
FC Platinum v Black Rhinos (Rufaro)
Sunday
Highlanders v Harare City (Rufaro).
Online Reporter