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Tadious Manyepo, Sports Reporter
LEADERS Simba Bhora will have one hand on the Castle Lager Premiership title if certain dynamics work in their favour this afternoon.
The Shamva team face Herentals at Rufaro and three points from this otherwise tricky encounter will virtually take them over the line if second-placed FC Platinum lose at home to Yadah, while Ngezi Platinum fail to beat Chegutu Pirates at Baobab.
Simba Bhora, who have 60 points under their belt enjoy a nine-point advantage over FC Platinum with only five games before the season comes to an end.
Ngezi Platinum are third on the table with 46 points to their name and they have a game in hand meaning they can finish the season on 64 points if they win all their remaining games.
On the other hand, FC Platinum can finish with a maximum of 66 points should they be able to collect all the points in the last five games.
That’s how closer Go Buju Go are on winning the championship in only their second term in the elite league.
But they know it’s not going to be an easy task collecting all the points against a Students side that has always proven to be a tough proponent.
A defeat will push them to some pressure pocket especially if their rivals win their games.
And Herentals midfielder Ali Maliselo says they will not let Simba Bhora secure the prize by beating the Students.
“Simba Bhora have done so well in the league and are currently on an impressive run of 13-match unbeaten stretch,” said Maliselo.
“But they should know we mean business and searching our own objectives.
“As Herentals, we can finish in the top-four if we pick a good number of points in our final five games.
“We are going all out in search of a win in our match against Simba Bhora.
“We had a chance to beat them in our first match against them at Wadzanayi, but the game ultimately finished goalless.
“So this is the chance to beat them as we will be playing them at our own home.
“The game is going to be tough, but we will give it our all to try and get a positive result.”
Yadah will on the other hand try and sting the Zvishavane miners who need a near-miracle to recover the ground and be able to win the league from Simba Bhora’s firming grasp.
Yadah coach Thomas Ruzive said his team will be looking to win days after being booted out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Dynamos.
“We were looking to win the Chibuku Super Cup but unfortunately we failed. We now target a strong finish in the league.
“We will be in there to try and win against FC Platinum and enhance our chances of finishing in the top half,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“So it doesn’t matter who we will be playing against. We just need to win the game.”
Castle Lager Premiership Fixtures
Today: Bikita Minerals v Greenfuel (Sakubva), ZPC Kariba v Hwange (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Yadah (Mandava), Herentals v Simba Bhora (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Telone (Luveve), Ngezi Platinum v Chegutu Pirates (Baobab)
Tomorrow: Manica v Highlanders (Sakubva), Arenel Movers v Dynamos (Barbourfields), CAPS United v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
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Bongani Ndlovu