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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE championship race is reaching fever pitch in the World Navi Northern Region Division One and organisers have lined up an exciting dish which will see the top three teams play at the same time tomorrow to avoid manipulation of results.
Log leaders Flame Lily take on Blue Swallows at Chikurubi while second-placed Gunners who, have been experiencing poor returns of late, face Lake Harvest at Lafarge.
Mushowani Stars, who have established themselves as serious contenders, will host Chegutu in Madziva.
The rest of the league matches will be played today.
With only six games to play, the championship race took another twist during the mid-week games when Gunners went down to Commando while Flame Lily drew 0-0 against Mushowani to take over top spot.
They are now one point ahead of Gunners.
Mushowani also revived their hopes for promotion in the past weeks, they now have 55 points, two points behind Gunners and three behind Flame Lily.
Mushowani coach, Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni, said they just need to play their cards right in case the top teams slip in these remaining matches.
“It’s like we need not drop points now. It’s a must win for us so that we put pressure on the log leaders because the race is still wide open.
“Any slip by the top teams we must maximise.
“The race is now exciting and we need to win our games.
“For tomorrow’s game we are more than prepared. They are fighting relegation so it’s a tricky tie which they also need to win. We have an upper hand but we need to be cautious in our approach,” said Chimalizeni.
Flame Lily coach, Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, said although they were leading the race, it’s not going to be an easy assignment.
“We are facing Blue Swallows in another tough game, all teams in Division One are very tough although we are playing at home. We need to make sure we use the home advantage to collect maximum points.
“We have six games to go but we have to treat each game is it comes and see how it ends at the end of the season,” said Saruchera.
Flame Lily’s rise to the top has cheered their sponsors, BancEasy, and the prison warders could be in for some rich pickings if they continue doing well.
Blue Swallows, who are 15th on the table, also need all three points put their campaign for survival back to track.
Gunners are desperate for a win after dropping 10 points in the last four encounters that saw them finally dropping to second place during the week.
The former Premiership champions, who lost just one match in the first round, appear to have lost their winning formula.
A defeat tomorrow might see them going further down the tables if Mushowani wins against Pirates.
Today: Karoi v Commando (Chikangwe), ZRP Morris v DStv Rangers (Morris), Bindura v Ngezi Platinum (Chipadze), Twalumba v DC Academy (Gwanzura), Seven Flames v ZRP Football Club (Commando), Royal Classic v Starbill (Tsungubvi).
Tomorrow: Flame Lilly v Blue Swallows (Chikurubi), Gunners v Lake Harvest (Lafarge), Mushowani v Chegutu Pirates (Chaminuka/Madziva).
Online Reporter