Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
THE Castle Lager Premier Soccer League enters another intriguing phase today as Week 27 draws to a close, with three matches carrying significant implications at both ends of the table.
After six matches were played across the country on Saturday, attention now shifts to Barbourfields, Rufaro and Sakubva, where Highlanders, Dynamos, Manica Diamonds and their opponents will be looking to make the most of the remaining points.
Saturday’s results further intensified the title race, with leaders Scottland FC beating Simba Bhora 2-1 to move to 57 points, while second-placed Hardrock edged FC Hunters 2-1 to stay within touching distance on 54.
FC Platinum beat Agama 1-0, MWOS hammered ZPC Kariba 4-1, Triangle United defeated TelOne 2-0, while Bulawayo Chiefs held CAPS United to a goalless draw.
The results mean there is little room for error among the chasing pack.
At Barbourfields, Benjani Mwaruwari-mentored Highlanders host fourth-placed Herentals, with the visitors sitting on 45 points and Bosso on 38.
Herentals have enjoyed a consistent campaign and will be eager to maintain their push towards the upper reaches of the table.
Highlanders, however, will bank on home advantage and the passionate Barbourfields crowd as they seek maximum points. Herentals coach Paul Benza has already acknowledged that Bosso become a more dangerous side on their own turf.
The match is particularly important for Highlanders, who can ill afford to drop further points if they are to remain within reach of the leading pack.
At Rufaro, Dynamos take on Chicken Inn in another heavyweight encounter.
DeMbare are third on 46 points and know a victory would take them to 49, strengthening their position in the title race.
Chicken Inn, on 34 points, will be hoping to produce a performance capable of upsetting the Glamour Boys and breathing life into their own campaign.
The reverse fixture and previous meetings between the two giants have traditionally produced fiercely contested encounters, and today’s battle should be no different.
Meanwhile, at Sakubva, Manica Diamonds face Ngezi Platinum Stars in a fixture carrying contrasting pressures.
Ngezi are fifth on 44 points and cannot afford to lose further ground on the leading sides, while Manica, rooted near the bottom of the table, desperately need points in their fight for survival.
A victory for Ngezi would take them to 47 points and potentially strengthen their challenge for a top-four finish, while three points for Manica would provide a much-needed boost to their relegation battle.
With Scottland and Hardrock setting the pace, every point collected by the chasing teams now carries greater weight.
The Week 27 curtain-raiser has already delivered its share of drama. Today, the spotlight falls on Bulawayo, Harare and Mutare.
Today’s fixtures
Highlanders vs Herentals — Barbourfields
Dynamos vs Chicken Inn — Rufaro
Manica Diamonds vs Ngezi Platinum Stars — Sakubva
