September to define NRSL race?

Lawrence Moyo

Head Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE destiny of the Zifa Northern Region Soccer League championship is still 13 matches away and six matches in September might go a very long way in shaping the eventual winner of the sole ticket to the Premier Soccer League.

MWOS, who have 54 points from 25 matches, currently enjoy a two-point lead at the top of the standings, with Harare City in second place, Scottland third on 50 points and former Premiership side Black Rhinos fourth also on 50 points.

It has been a see-saw battle this season as MWOS, Harare City and Black Rhinos have taken turns at the summit of the log standings while Scottland have stayed within touching distance and showed their intent during the mid-season transfer window when they acquired experienced veterans for the second half.

However, it is Denver Mukamba who has been driving the Scottland quest for promotion with crucial goals in two of the last four games, including the match winner against Trojan Stars at the Heart Stadium on Sunday.

He had scored a brilliant opener in the 1-1 draw at leaders MWOS. With each passing game, there is growing pressure on the chasing pack to start utilising chances that come their way as MWOS are now registering big wins, hoping to utilise goal difference in the event of same number of points.

On Saturday, MWOS pummelled Karoi United 5-1 having been 1-1 at some stage in the first half with new-signing Everson Feremba grabbing a double.

With the five goals, MWOS moved to 43 goals in 25 matches and this is eight more than Harare City who have the second highest scoring record with 35 while Scottland and Black Rhinos are tied on 30 goals each.

Apart from being the top scorers, MWOS also have the best defence with 13 goals conceded in 25 matches together with Harare City while Scottland have the third best (14) while Black Rhinos are fourth with 16 goals conceded.

The top four teams have tricky assignments in September although Black Rhinos have the psychological advantage of having to face four of the next six matches at their Commando Barracks venue as they face two sister clubs – Cranborne Bullets and DZ Royal Stars.

Black Rhinos, who will be away (at home) to Cranborne Bullets this weekend, will only be out of Commando Barracks for matches against Chinhoyi Stars and Zambezi Gas and Coal.

Third-placed Scottland have a seemingly comfortable September with four home matches against CCLEE Mhangura, Golden Eagles, Shamva Mine and Agama while visiting PAM FC and Karoi United.

Harare City have a tough run as they face Black Rhinos (away) and MWOS (home) while also taking on stubborn Herentals Under-20, Ngezi Platinum Under-19, PAM FC and Karoi United in their next six fixtures.

MWOS will expect tough assignments against the two sister clubs to title rivals, Black Rhinos when they date Cranborne Bullets at home and DZ Royal Stars at Commando Barracks while the other fixtures are against Harare City, Chinhoyi Stars, Zambezi and Shamva Mine.

On paper, Scottland have the easiest fixtures followed by Black Rhinos while Harare City will have to work overtime to escape September unhurt.