Tense moments in PSL

Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub

CALCULATORS are likely to be brought into the equation when eight teams go into the final round of the 2025 Castle Lager Premiership relegation puzzle to be solved on the final day.

Only three points separate Highlanders, who are on 10th place from Yadah on 17th position, going into the decisive week scheduled for November 22-23.

The sandwiched teams, including Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds, Dynamos, Triangle, Bikita Minerals and GreenFuel, all have mathematical chances of surviving the chop.

But they cannot run away from the chilling reality that three teams from this list will join relegated Kwekwe United when the final round of fixtures take place after the FIFA break.

The situation remained tense at the lower echelons of the log table following a series of draws at the weekend, which left giants Dynamos, Highlanders and 2015 champions Chicken Inn having to fight for their lives until the last minutes of the season.

This means the next 10 days will be critical for reflection and preparation for what promises to be a thrilling finish to the season, the relegation dogfight taken to the wire.

A lot of cancelling out will also take place, with interesting elimination fixtures dominating the grand finale as Highlanders and Chicken Inn, who are tied on 38 points, will be involved in a relegation derby in Bulawayo which carries no guarantees for both.

In the Eastern Region, Manica Diamonds, also on 38 points, have a date with unpredictable Bikita Minerals (37 points), while GreenFuel (36) host Triangle (37) in another must-win encounter.

Yadah, who sit on 35 points, have no choice but to win the last game against dethroned champions Simba Bhora. The picture is also still hazy for Harare giants Dynamos who host FC Platinum for their final game of the season.

On 38 points, Dynamos are not safe considering their goal difference of minus six, the second worst among the relegation fighters. They will need to avoid defeat at all cost in the last game.

DeMbare salvaged a crucial point in injury time against Yadah at the weekend when Ghanaian defender Mahom-med Issaka cancelled out Evans Rusike’s 90th-minute strike to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The Glamour Boys have come a long way following a poor start this season. Despite an unbeaten run of nine games (five wins and four draws) since the arrival of Zambian coach Kelvin Kaindu, they are still involved in the relegation matrix.

They may need the calculators on the final week, with a draw likely to seal the deal and also considering results from other centres.

However, Kaindu has emphasised the need for mental strength and responsibility from his players to decide their own fate.

“Slowly, we keep on picking points,” he said.

“I think the start for the team was not very good. Despite the points that we keep on collecting and all the games that we have been playing, we are still down there.

“For us to wait until the last day, maybe this is where we need to see the mental strength and also the character,” said Kaindu.

Their opponents Yadah also lived to fight another day with the point gained on Saturday. Yadah are unbeaten in their last four games under Brenna Msiska. They have mastered the art of running away from relegation on many instances, but 2025 has been tough.

“One point is a big point. You never know what will happen the next game but surely this next game is a must-win for us,” said Msiska.

However, the situation has since spiralled out of the Miracle Boys’ hands, and the only way to stay up is by beating Simba Bhora with a healthy margin and then hoping the other teams immediately above them falter.

Yadah have a deficit of six goals on their 35 points.

Manica Diamonds also kept their chances bright with the draw at Highlanders at the weekend. They need at least a draw against Bikita Minerals and their coach Tafadzwa Mashiri appreciates the task ahead.

“Yeah, the fight is still on and this massive point that we’ve got should help us,” he said.

“I think going into the last game, all the teams who are involved in the relegation mix still have got a lot to play for, including ourselves.

“We are not yet safe. We need to at least get a result again on our last game, such that we ensure our survival . . .

“And going to match number 34, with almost eight or nine teams still in the relegation mix, it’s competition. Teams like Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Dynamos being involved in the relegation mix, all going to the wire, I think it’s a competitive league,” said Mashiri.

PSL Relegation Fixtures:

Highlanders 38pts (1) v Chicken Inn 38pts (-2)

Manica Diamonds 38pts (-4) v Bikita Minerals 37pts (-12)

Dynamos 38pts (-6) v FC Platinum

GreenFuel 36 (-2) v Triangle 37pts (3)

Simba Bhora v Yadah 35pts (-6)