Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH Correctional Queens and Chapungu seemingly conspiring to squander opportunities to seal the championship after faltering in recent weeks, the battle for the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League title is shaping into a three-horse race.
Correctional Queens lead the standings with 52 points three ahead of Chapungu with both having played 19 matches.
Champions Herentals Queens are third and within touching distance having massed 44 points in 17 games and have two in hand.
In the last three seasons, Herentals would have been occupying top spot at this stage of the season underlying a dominance that led them to a hat-trick of titles.
However, the current campaign has seen Correctional Queens and Chapungu putting up scintillating performances to restrict the defenders to third place for long.
As the season progresses, it appears that their (Herentals) chances of winning the title for the fourth time are under siege.
Based on current form, even if Herentals secure maximum points from their two pending fixtures, they will only ascend to second place in the standings to sit jointly with Chapungu.
The two will still be trailing two points behind a determined Correctional Queens setting the stage for a tense finish.
“The league is very competitive this season and it makes every point crucial leaving minimal margin for error,” said Herentals coach Simbarashe Dedza.
Already the battle for the championship is fierce, so we are fighting to remain relevant in the title conversation and I am still hopeful that we can do it.”
Despite Correctional Queens maintaining a stronghold at the top, team manager Loice Mutimbanyoka remains grounded in humility.
“It feels good to be at the top of the log table like this, remember every club has ambitions of winning the championship someday,” she said.
“We have also dreamt of this for long, but you know seasons are different but at this stage of the season, being up there means we are in the right direction.
“However, based on the pressure that comes with trying to maintain pole position it means that there is no room for slip ups or to relax,” Mutimbanyoka said.
With each passing week, Correctional Queens are proving their legitimacy as title contenders, also showcasing their ability to withstand pressure.
Mutimbanyoka highlighted the importance of concentrating on their own performances and ignoring distractions from rival teams.
“We should put on blinders now and focus on what is ahead for us while ignoring what is happening with other teams,” she said.
“Our team has strong characters who have the experience and some of whom have played at national team level so in terms of quality, we have what it takes.
“What we need now is maximum concentration and motivation to keep pushing.”
On the lower end of the log standings, Cranborne Royals (17 points), Maningi Queens (15), Black Mambas (14) and Red Buffaloes who occupy the base with a mere point in 19 games have their own survival battles to contend with.
The Nyazura-based Red Buffaloes are in their maiden top-flight season but have struggled in the big girls’ club.
They are headed back to the lower league with each passing week.
“This is not what we wanted but it seems that relegation is a reality that we are faced with and currently there is nothing that we can do about it,” said club chairperson Evermore Matinyarare.
“We really wanted the best for our girls, but with acute financial constraints, motivating them has become a huge challenge.
“Now our wish is for them to just play their hearts out and lure suitors who can sign and have them play top-flight again next season and beyond.
“Chances are that once relegated, the club will disband due to lack of financial muscle so we do not want these girls to go back into the village and be idle’’ he said.
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