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Brandon Moyo
SIMBA Bhora took yet another giant step in their quest to win their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title with another crucial victory at their fortress, Wadzanayi Stadium last week which saw them extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points.
The Shamva-based outfit saw off the challenge of Chicken Inn last weekend, on a day that their closest rivals FC Platinum saw their chances of winning their fifth title go up in smoke following a two-all draw against Hwange away at the Colliery Stadium.
FC Platinum let go of a two-nil lead to draw the game, a result which may just have ended their hopes for the title. A second-half goal by Perfect Chikwende ensured the Tonderai Ndiraya-coached outfit grabbed the crucial three points against the Gamecocks.
The victory took Simba Bhora’s points tally to 60 points from 29 games with FC Platinum in second position having 51 points. With 15 points left to play for, it appears the title is now for Simba Bhora to lose. They just need to get seven points to reach an unassailable 67 points.
Crucially, Simba Bhora will meet Ngezi Platinum Stars and FC Platinum in the title run-in. If they get results from the two matches it will almost be certain they will be champions this season.
The victory over Chicken Inn meant Simba Bhora have now matched Manica Diamonds’ record of going 13 games unbeaten this season.
Simba Bhora have not lost a match at their home ground in 15 encounters. Ndiraya’s men last suffered a defeat back in June. They have won 13 and drawn only twice at Wadzanai, which translates to 41 points at home.
With their impressive 2-0 victory over ZPC Kariba at Barbourfields Stadium, Highlanders moved into third place with 44 points, the same as Manica Diamonds who are in fourth place.
It was a welcome result for Highlanders who played in front of a virtually empty stadium as most fans opted to be at the clubhouse where they had a successful fundraising event.
The event at the clubhouse was attended by 1 785 people. Highlanders’ fans and members suggested a boycott of the Bosso versus ZPC Kariba match as a protest against the club’s ill-treatment in local football.
The club has been many stakeholders’ cash cow, including opposition teams, and has had a number of questionable calls made against them by referees.
Cecil Gwezera and Zondzi Ngosana, who officiated at the aborted Chibuku Cup quarter final clash between Simba Bhora and Highlanders, were subsequently suspended for six weeks after the Bosso outcry the following morning.
There will be two rescheduled league matches this weekend, with the weekend reserved for international matches.
PSL fixtures
Saturday: Ngezi Platinum v Hwange (Baobab); Sunday: Dynamos v Chicken Inn (Rufaro). – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter