adminBulawayo giants New Orleans at 2 Brigade grounds in the capital tomorrow.
The army side had a tough match last weekend when they travelled to the City of Kings for an explosive match against second-placed Inline Academy.
Both teams remained tied after sharing spoils in a 1-1 draw.
On Saturday they would be seeking maximum points when they battle against fourth-placed New Orleans, which is five points behind the leading pack.
With third placed Mufakose having 13 points and a game in hand, Rhinos know that they have win this important encounter to maintain their lead.
Yesterday, Black Rhinos gaffer Thomas Chinyan’anya said the remaining two matches before the league reaches the halfway stage will have a strong bearing on his team’s title chances.
“We are ready for them. They are a good. We have played New Orleans before in friendly matches and in all the four meetings we managed to beat them once, drawing the other matches. It would be a different, new game altogether but we know it will be tough.
“But l am confident, as we welcome back Shupi Juwawo and and Tariro Makumbe who were sidelined with injuries. The three matches – last week’s against Inline, New Orleans and next week’s match against Cyclone are really tough matches for us. And picking up a point in any of these matches would be a bonus for us as the race enters the decisive second half.
“At least, next week we would have our key players back from Maputo,” said Chinyan’anya.
New Orleans come into this match with their moral high after thrashing Faith Drive Queens 6-0 in the previous match.
Another match likely to be explosive pits Flame Lily and Cosa Guruve tomorrow at Chikurubi.
The team from Guruve had a slow start in the league but is now enjoying life in the top-flight zone.
They have nine points and occupy fifth position in the 10-member league.
Flame Lily Queens coach Arthur Gorejena was busy with his charges yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s encounter.
“Cosa have improved a lot and we have been working hard because we know they can disappoint us in our backyard. We are hard pressed to collect maximum points and improve our log position.
“My team is made up of average players but we want to finish in the top four and also have one or two players making it into the final 18 of the national squad,” said Gorejena.
The team would be looking for inspiration from right back Faith Tamboonei, midfielder Panashe Masara and Zanele Mbano who has been scoring crucial goals for the club.
Third placed Mufakose Queens hosts Chipembere in a game the Harare giants are expected to roll past over their Midlands opponents while winless Faith Drive woes are expected to continue against
Inline Academy.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Mufakose v Chipembere (Mufakose 1 High School grounds), Black Rhinos v New Orleans (2 Brigade grounds), Faith Drive v Inline Academy, Flame Lily v Cosa (Chikurubi, 2pm), Masvingo v Cyclone (cancelled).
Online Reporter