Matsika backs Mutare City Rovers Ndega Matsika
Ndega Matsika

Ndega Matsika

Ray Bande Mutare Bureau
FORMER Buffaloes goalkeeper Ndega Matsika thinks Mutare City Rovers will not let their rivals – Tenax and Buffaloes – close the gap with only nine rounds of league matches remaining before the curtain comes down on the Eastern Region Division One League.

Log leaders Mutare City Rovers, who are still waiting for a decision on the fate of their abandoned match against Gutu on Sunday, have amassed 45 points, just one ahead of second placed Tenax. Dark horses in the race, Buffaloes, have 42 points.

However, Mutare City Rovers are highly likely to get the three points from the abandoned match given that the hosts Gutu walked out of the pitch in protest over a penalty that had been awarded to the visiting Mutare side.

The match was 1-1 by the time it was abandoned.

ZIFA Eastern Region secretary, Simba Wisdom, confirmed that they have received match reports from referees who handled the encounter as well as reports from both teams.

“We have received match reports from referees who handled the encounter as well as reports from both teams. We are now in the process of setting a date for us to meet over the issue and it is likely to be next week,” said Wisdom.

However, Matsika, the former Mighty Warriors’ goalkeepers’ coach Matsika believes Mutare City Rovers will only have none but themselves to blame if they let their seemingly healthy lead slip away.

“I think Mutare City Rovers will not just stand while their competitors close the gap they are enjoying right now. They will certainly fight long and hard to maintain or even extend the gap between them and their rivals.

“Yes, it is not over yet but it is also true that the Mutare City guys would want to make sure that they win the remaining nine matches to secure Premiership promotion.

‘‘I think they are my favourites to win the 2017 Eastern Region Division One League,” he said.

Buffaloes will entertain plucky Gutu at Vengere on Sunday in a tricky encounter for the army outfit.

Gutu have not been consistent but their knack for outplaying championship-chasing teams is not in doubt after they beat both Mutare City Rovers and Tenax in the first round matches.

Tenax have a relatively easier assignment when they travel to Chipinge for a date against Black Eagles on Sunday.

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