Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
THE Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League promotion race is fast evolving into a compelling three-way contest, with Hwange, Talen Vision and Jordan emerging as the leading contenders for the coveted Premiership ticket after Matchday 13.
Hwange lead the standings with 28 points from 12 matches. Talen Vision trail by just a point on 27, while Jordan FC remain firmly in contention with 26 points, setting the stage for a gripping second half of the season.
The coalminers have been the division’s standout performers so far, remaining unbeaten with eight wins and four draws. They also boast the league’s most potent attack and tightest defence, having scored 25 goals and conceded just four, giving them an impressive goal difference of +21.
Despite Hwange’s dominance, Talen Vision FC have refused to loosen their grip on the race. The second-placed side is also unbeaten, having registered seven victories and six draws from 13 outings. Their return of 23 goals scored and only seven conceded underlines their credentials as genuine promotion contenders.
Jordan FC have likewise enjoyed an impressive campaign and remain within striking distance of the summit. With seven wins, five draws and just one defeat, they have amassed 26 points and continue to pile pressure on the two teams above them.
With only two points separating the top three clubs, the battle for the sole Premiership promotion slot remains finely balanced.
Former Premiership side Bulawayo Warriors occupy fourth position on 23 points. While they trail the leading trio, Warriors remain within touching distance and could yet force their way into contention if they can string together a consistent run of results.
Megawatt FC and Nkayi United FC are level on 21 points in fifth and sixth positions respectively, while Black Rock FC sit seventh on 20 points.
Victoria Falls Herentals FC are eighth on 18 points, with Zimbabwe Saints FC in ninth place on 16 points from 12 matches. Casmyn FC complete the top 10 with 15 points.
The battle in mid-table remains equally competitive. Bulawayo City FC and Zebra Revolution FC both have 14 points, while Khami United FC are a point behind on 13.
Njube Spurs FC and Mosi Rovers FC have each accumulated 12 points and will be eager to climb further clear of the lower reaches of the table.
At the bottom, Aqua Stars FC, Imbizo FC and Bosso90 FC continue to struggle. Aqua Stars have 10 points, Imbizo FC have nine, while Bosso90 FC remain rooted at the foot of the table with eight points from 13 matches.
As the campaign gathers momentum, the spotlight remains firmly on the leading trio. Hwange may currently hold pole position, but Talen Vision and Jordan FC have shown sufficient quality and consistency to suggest that the Southern Region title race is far from settled.
With plenty of football still to be played, supporters can expect an enthralling contest as the top three clubs refuse to yield in the race for promotion to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL). – @FungaiMuderere.
