THIS season’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season comes to a conclusion this weekend with much focus on teams fighting the relegation battles rather than the contest for the title.
With the top four almost settled, as Simba Bhora were confirmed league champions a fortnight ago, FC Platinum sealed the runners-up slot, while Ngezi Platinum Stars took third place with Manica Diamonds seeming certain to finish fourth, it’s the battles involving teams at the other end of the table that will grab most attention this weekend.
The relegation battle is going down to the wire, and it could all come down to just one crucial win.
Two teams from the three Hwange, Bikita Minerals and Bulawayo Chiefs will join already relegated Chegutu Pirates and Arenel Movers in the first division next season.
The three teams will go into the nerve-wracking final day of the season with almost an equal chance of survival.
Fourteenth-placed Bulawayo Chiefs have 36 points, and they sit one place and point above Bikita Minerals and Hwange, who are tied on 35 points.
The challenge for Bulawayo Chiefs is pretty simple — beat Manica Diamonds at Sakubva Stadium and their topflight status is secure regardless of results elsewhere.
Bikita are placed better than Hwange on the log standings due to a better goal difference ahead of the two teams’ do or die clash, which will be played at Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva.
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For Bikita Minerals to stay up, they must beat Hwange and hope that Bulawayo Chiefs draw or lose against Manica Diamonds.
Anything less than three points for the Lithium Boys would not be enough.
Of course, they have a chance to survive with a draw, but it will take Chiefs to lose by a margin of six goals for that to happen.
Hwange, a club with a proud history, now face an uncertain future, but they still have one final chance to secure their league safety.
The Rodwell Dhlakama-coached side has to beat Bikita Minerals to stand any chance of survival. Anything less, and they are out.
But the coal miners are also relying on Manica Diamonds to beat Bulawayo Chiefs.
Dhlakama admitted his team is in a precarious position.
He is praying for divine intervention.
“We are in a difficult position. We are leaving everything in God’s hands,” Dhlakama told NewsDay Weekender Sport yesterday.
“We will go out there to try and do our part. We have to win the match. We have prepared for the match, but you are never satisfied.
“We are facing a very unpredictable Bikita side. Remember they beat the likes of FC Platinum, Caps United and Highlanders, but they also lost to Chegutu Pirates and Bulawayo Chiefs. You don’t really know what to expect.”
The former Ngezi Platinum Stars and GreenFuel coach voiced his concern on the choice of the venue for the crucial match.
He is surprised on the decision by their hosts Bikita Minerals to take their game to Shamva.
Bikita Minerals cannot host the clash at their preferred home stadium Sakubva as it will be used by Manica Diamonds on the same day.
“I thought they would choose GreenFuel, which is near Mutare or Mandava Stadium, which is near their base in Bikita. We now have to travel more than 1 000km to Shamva, which is rather too much for us.”
Matchday 34 fixtures
Today: Bikita Minerals v Hwange (Wadzanayi), GreenFuel v Dynamos (GreenFuel Arena), Manica Diamonds v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), ZPC Kariba v Simba Bhora (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v TelOne (Mandava), Arenel Movers v Chegutu Pirates (Luveve), Herentals v Chicken Inn (Rufaro).
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Yadah (Barbourfields), Caps United v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro)
