We should restore integrity in Division One football

OVER the past couple of years, the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) has been as gripping and riveting as a scripted blockbuster movie or Telemundo drama series, winning the hearts of many a soccer fan.

The dramatic twists and turns, as well as duels involving teams in the league are just breathtaking and intriguing.

That Simba Bhora, a team that debuted the Premier Soccer League (PSL) only last year, is on the verge of clinching the ultimate prize in the top-flight is probably all the evidence you need of the quality of football in this highly competitive
league.

But this year has been particularly epic.

MOWS lead log standings with 76 points from 35 games, while Scottland FC are second with a point less.

The log leaders, however, have a three-goal advantage, although Scottland still have that game against Karoi United yet to be decided.

The match in question was abandoned in the 82nd minute after a supporter hit the referee with a missile when the teams were tied 1-1.

That was back in September.

While top honchos at the NRSL are still to pronounce themselves, a little bird told Bra Shakes that Scottland is likely to be awarded the game on a 3-0 score-line.

Should that happen, then Scottland will move two points clear of MWOS, who were held to a goalless draw at Black Mambas on Wednesday — the same day Scottland walloped DZ Royals 5-1.

MWOS still has three games left and will get to 85 points if they win all their matches.

It means Scottland needs 10 points from four matches to clinch the sole ticket to the Premier Soccer League.

Indeed, this is as dramatic as it sounds.

Just as in any situation involving bristling competition, the NRSL has not been able to escape controversy as well.

Of late, there have been allegations of teams throwing matches and players and officials having their palms greased to influence match outcomes, particularly during this “squeaky bum time” period.

This is not helped by some of the eye-popping scorelines that have been witnessed of late.

And why it has taken NRSL so long to decide on the Karoi vs Scottland match remains a mystery.

Was it not Greek philosopher Aristotle who said “nature abhors a vacuum”?

Naturally, in the absence of facts and the truth, conspiracies, rumours and delusions take their place, which is unfortunate.

Mere talk of match fixing and bribery — whether true or not — is worth investigating, especially in instances where the allegations are sustained. Merely ignoring this will not help NRSL.

A lie often repeated seemingly becomes true, even when this is not the case.

Investigating and uncovering the truth — whatever that truth might be — will help restore or crystallise the hard-won and merited reputation of the league, giving eventual victors the integrity they truly deserve.

This helps dispel rumours and burnish the hitherto lofty reputation of the NRSL.

Unfortunately, this has become the only blemish of what has become a thoroughly entertaining division.

It’s also close in the Central Region, where log leaders Kwekwe United are engaged in a two-horse race with army side Tongogara.

Kwekwe United have 65 points from 29 games, three more than Tongogara, who, however, have a game in hand.

Kwekwe United need 10 points to win the Central Region Soccer League championship, because Tongogara can only get to 74 points if they win all their remaining matches.

In the Eastern Region, any of the three teams – FC Wangu Mazodze, Tenax and Triangle – can win the championship, although FC Wangu Mazodze are in control.

They top the standings with 61 points from 26 games and are five points clear of second-placed Tenax, who have played a game more.

Triangle are third with 54 points from 26 games. Tenax can only get to 71 points if they win their last five games, so FC Wangu Mazodze will be declared champions if they get 11 points from the remaining six games.

Further, it looks like ZPC Hwange are a sure bet to win the Southern Region Soccer League title as they are 12 points clear of second-placed Casmyn.

In fact, ZPC Hwange, who are on 64 points, now need just four points from their last five matches to clinch the title, as their rivals can only get to 67 points from their remaining five matches.

This is all that we expect football to be — entertaining.

Until next time.

Peace!

Yours Sincerely,

Bra Shakes.