Fungai Muderere THE Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League returns to centre stage this weekend, with the promotion race set for another intriguing round of action after the region’s…
Fungai Muderere
THE Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League returns to centre stage this weekend, with the promotion race set for another intriguing round of action after the region’s three Munhumutapa Challenge Cup representatives were knocked out of the competition.
With the cup adventure now over for Hwange, Blackrock and Jordan, attention switches back to the league where every point is becoming increasingly valuable as the promotion battle enters its decisive stage.
Hwange, who have been among the leading contenders in the Southern Region race, will resume their league campaign with an away trip to Khami United on Saturday.
The coalminers’ cup journey ended in the Round of 16 when they were beaten 2-0 by FC Hunters at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva. Having now exited the knockout competition, Hwange can concentrate fully on their league ambitions.
Blackrock are also back to league business and will entertain Aqua Stars at White City Stadium.
Their Munhumutapa Cup campaign came to an end at Mandava Stadium, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to FC Platinum. Like Hwange, Blackrock will now have only the league to focus on, making their remaining fixtures even more important.
Jordan, another of the region’s cup representatives, will play host to Zebra Revolution at Mthwakazi Stadium.
Their Munhumutapa Cup adventure ended in painful fashion at Luveve Stadium after they were hammered 5-1 by title-chasing Premier Soccer League side Hardrock.
Jordan will now look to put that disappointment behind them and concentrate on their league campaign.
The return of the three clubs to league action could have a significant bearing on the promotion race. Their cup commitments had disrupted the league programme, but with all three now eliminated, the focus is firmly back on the battle for promotion.
Hwange’s trip to Khami United is particularly interesting, with the visitors expected to be eager to respond after their cup disappointment. Khami, however, will be hoping to use home advantage to frustrate the promotion hopefuls.
Blackrock face another important assignment against Aqua Stars, while Jordan will be looking to rediscover their league form when they meet Zebra Revolution.
Elsewhere, Megawatt play host to Bosso90 at Chakona, while Bulawayo Warriors take on Casmyn at Chiefs Village.
Victoria Falls Herentals welcome Imbizo to Chinotimba, while Zimbabwe Saints face Talen Vision at Chiefs Village.
Njube Spurs will entertain Nkayi United at White City B Arena.
With the promotion race tightening and the relegation battle also entering a critical phase, Saturday’s fixtures carry added significance.
For the leading sides, dropped points could prove costly. For those battling near the bottom, every victory could provide a much-needed lifeline.
The Munhumutapa Cup may have taken centre stage in recent weeks, but the Southern Region league is now back in the spotlight, and the road to promotion promises to be fiercely contested.
Zifa Southern Region Division One Matchday 25 Fixtures
Saturday
Megawatt v Bosso90 (Chakona 12PM), Aqua Stars v Blackrock (White City 3PM), Byo Warriors v Casmyn ( Chiefs Village 12PM) Bulawayo City v Mosi Rovers (Cancelled), Khami United v Hwange (Khami) VF Herentals v Imbizo (Chinotimba 3PM), Zim Saints v Talen Vision (Chiefs Village 3PM), Njube Spurs v Nkayi United (White City B Arena 3PM), Jordan v Zebra Revolution (Mthwakazi 3PM). — @FungaiMuderere.
