THE stakes are high, tension is palpable and the dream of promotion into the topflight league hangs precariously in the balance.
Two powerhouses in the northern region soccer league (NRSL), MWOS FC and Scottland FC are locked in a fierce battle for supremacy, with each club determined to claim the coveted spot into the top flight league.
However, a thrilling climax to the division one contest has been overshadowed by match fixing allegations with reports suggesting that some of the MWOS FC players have been approached by two football legends purportedly on behalf of Scottland to sway the outcome of their matches.
A source close to the saga at (MWOS FC) made the revelation to The Sports Hub.
“There are some players who have been approached by at least two football legends, who urged them to throw away games and their life would be sorted out, but the players refused and reported the matter to their technical coaches," said the source.
“Now, MWOS coaches educate their players on the consequences of throwing away games especially before and after training sessions. The coaches now announce the line-up on the matchday in order to avoid any infiltrations, no player is guaranteed a regular position.
“MWOS has three goalkeepers and among them, no one is guaranteed to be in the team. "They now select the goalkeeper depending on the week’s training session,” the source added.
With regards to the development, MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa maintained that all was well in his camp.
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“All is well in the club. We are treating every game as it comes and we take them as cup games. Our morale is high. We believe in ourselves that we can cross the line and get promoted," Mutasa said.
“I would also like to applaud the players for putting the club first ahead of anything. they showed love and care to their club and they will fight to the end.”
Zifa Northern Region Soccer League chairman Martin Kweza has stated that his office has not received any formal complaints about any approaches on players with a view to throw away matches
“We do not act on rumours. I have not received any official complaint from any team concerning the issue of those allegations. But if we receive a complaints we will investigate, send the culprits for a hearing and apply the rules and regulations of the game. For now we do not have any complaints at all,” Kweza said.
Scottland FC coach Genesis Mangombe rubbished the allegations that his club had been actively looking to use its financial muscle to buy matches.
“I would not want to comment about match fixing because I am just a coach, but you see the biggest problem is that our club is well sponsored. So when some people see things going well they tend to think something fishy is taking place.
“We are playing good football and the players are ready for any challenge,” Mangombe said ahead of Friday's 7-0 drubbing of Norton Community FC at Rufaro Stadium.
Football legend and former Caps United prolific forward Alois Bunjira said he had not watched matches involving Scottland or MWOS to make a judgement, but was happy with the rivalry that was created by the two teams in the second tier league.
“Unfortunately, I have never watched any of MWOS FC or Scottland FC games. From the look of things only two points separate the two teams and it looks like they are heading for a photo-finish," Bunjira said.
“For a long time I have heard rumours in some groups that both teams are allegedly using unauthorised means to win games and I am not really sure if that is happening. I don’t know if that is true.
“The most difficult thing is that division one football is not being screened live for people to view if matches are not being handled in a proper manner, but as a person I encourage fair play and let there be stiff competition so that teams seeking promotion in the Premier Soccer League [PSL] are strong.
“We don’t want a situation where we see the PSL teams which were promoted this season are in the relegation zone. "We want good and strong teams to be promoted like Simba Bhora who have stood the test of time.”
As the race to gain promotion hots up, the league has taken a decision to appoint senior referees so as to avoid any controversial decisions, which have so far dogged some of the matches.
They have gone further to have matches of title-chasing teamsplayed on the same day and at the same time.
Currently MWOS lead the log standings with 72 points from 33 games, while Scottland FC has 69 points with a game in hand, their abandoned tie against Karoi United for which they have already been awarded three points.
The updated log standing will see both teams level on points with MWOS enjoying a superior goal difference.
