Bulawayo Chiefs...............................(1)1
Arenel Movers ....................................(0)0
Bulawayo Chiefs took a major step towards securing their spot in the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arenel Movers at Luveve Stadium.
Migos Svinurayi's ninth-minute header proved to be the decisive factor, as Amakhosi climbed to 35 points with just three matches remaining.
The win not only boosted Chiefs' survival chances but also condemned Arenel Movers to relegation after just one season in the top-flight.
The result had significant implications for both teams.
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Chiefs now require two victories from their remaining three matches to guarantee their spot in the 2025 season. On the other hand Arenel Movers became the first team to be officially relegated, as they can only finish the season with 31 points, which is one less than Bikita Minerals who are on 32 points and occupy the last relegation slot.
The match was a closely contested, local derby with both teams aware of the high stakes. Svinurayi's goal, assisted by Jameson Masaza, gave Chiefs the early advantage.
Arenel goalkeeper Aaron Ngwenya was left helpless as the ball sailed into the net.
Chiefs' coach Thulani Sibanda was relieved with the win, acknowledging the difficulty of the encounter. "This was one of the toughest games we have played this season. Arenel have character, and it being a local derby, the players know each other, it was never going to be easy. But for the boys to grind this result, it's good in terms of us fighting relegation," said Sibanda.
"We have three tough games against FC (Platinum) Manica (Diamonds) and ZPC Kariba. So these three points go a long way in giving us confidence ahead of these fixtures," he continued.
In contrast, Arenel Movers' coach Philani Ncube rued the soft goal conceded. "The writing was on the wall. It was always going to be difficult to push the boys. We conceded a very soft goal. We tried to come back, we had chances to win the game, but we failed to convert them," said Ncube.