DeMbare, CAPS feel the heat Callisto Pasuwa
Callisto Pasuwa

Callisto Pasuwa

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE race for the Castle Lager Premiership title is set for an intriguing finish and the top contenders are already calling on the Premier Soccer League to slot the remaining five rounds of matches at the same time as pressure begins to take its toll. Giants Dynamos and CAPS United raised the chorus following their wins on Sunday. Defending champions DeMbare lead the marathon with 49 points following a 1-0 victory at Moses Chunga’s Buffaloes.

CAPS United coach Taurayi Mangwiro said his Green Machine went into their Sunday’s game against Highlanders under intense pressure following ZPC Kariba’s success on Saturday.
Makepekepe still managed to outclass old rivals Highlanders 4-0 to remain with a strong chance in the championship race.
Makepekepe are still to play Triangle, FC Platinum, Buffaloes, Harare City and ZPC Kariba in that order.

“The good thing is we are staying within touching distance and speaking about the destiny, I wouldn’t want to rely on other teams. We still have to play ZPC Kariba, we are to play FC Platinum.

“If you saw (on Sunday) we were under pressure because the teams just above us and the other two who were below us won their matches as well.
“So I was thinking perhaps if we could play on the same day because it kind of puts some pressure and at times we end up looking desperate,” said Mangwiro.

The sentiments were echoed by Dynamos assistant coach Tichaona Diya.
DeMbare will play Chapungu in their next match before dates with Harare City, Bantu Rovers, ZPC Kariba and How Mine.
“I think at this juncture things are getting thick and, to be fair enough, it makes a lot of sense if we are to play our matches the same time,” said Diya.

“It’s always different going onto the field knowing how your opponents in the race have played. It gives an unfair advantage to some teams and at the same time creating pressure on the others.”

Reports from Sakubva indicate that DeMbare worked extra hard to get their win over Buffaloes, thanks to Washington Pakamisa’s eighth minute strike.
“It’s still early to say we can win the championship because there are still five games to play. It’s also early to rule Highlanders out despite their recent losses. In football anything can happen.

“Maybe, the next two or three games may give a clearer direction of how things would go. We just need to focus on winning our matches and make sure that we collect as many points as possible,” said Diya.

PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele, however, said it is too early to align the matches to be played at the same time.
“I think it’s still early to start playing the matches at the same time, we can probably do that for the last two or so games like we have been doing all along.

“Pressure on the teams yes is there, but there is no threat of manipulation at the moment since many twists can take place in five games.
“In fact, that is the kind of competition that we want to see, that one team wins today and the other also wins tomorrow,” said Ndebele.

ZPC Kariba team manager Partson Ndabambi said they are not going to lose sleep over their chances of winning the title.
The newboys face the most tricky path to the finishing line with a trip to FC Platinum being their next assignment before clashes with Buffaloes, Harare City, Dynamos and CAPS United.
“It’s getting hotter at the top but as we said before, we are not under pressure to lift the championship.

“Winning the title was never our objective when the season started. If it happens that way, then it’s bonus for us,” said Ndabambi.

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