Zimpapers Logo

Augustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
THE Castle Lager Premiership is reaching the climax on Super Sunday and most of the focus will be on the three teams in the running for the title but the potential twists in the relegation battles can also rival the championship race. At least six clubs are in danger of the chop.
Already three teams –Tripple B, Motor Action and Monomotapa – have been relegated and now the search is on for the fourth club to drop to Division One next season.

Shabanie Mine, who are currently in eighth position, could end up getting the chop if they fail to get either a draw or a win against

Highlanders, who are gunning for the championship, should results elsewhere go against the miners.

Triangle, who are completing their season at home against Chicken Inn, are still not safe either while Hwange need to beat already condemned Motor Action to be assured of another dance in the top-flight league next season.

Black Mambas have the toughest battle on their hands as they need to overcome Dynamos to be assured of survival.
It’s not looking pretty good for Warumwa Warumwa as Dynamos need all the three points to keep the heat on Harare City.

Buffaloes, who are also facing the chop, meet FC Platinum who are now playing for nothing but pride.

The platinum miners dropped out of the race after being held to 1-1 draw by How Mine at the weekend.

Black Rhinos appear to have good chances of winning their match against Monomotapa at Gwanzura but still their fate is not solely in their hands.

Chipembere assistant coach Ndega Matsika is still cautious on their chances of survival as the league closes on Sunday.
“We are focused on our game against Monomotapa but we know that it’s not going to be easy. Monoz were losing by close margins in most of their games and that means they are not a bad team.

“Yes, our opponents could have been relegated but they could be spoilers and that will be at our expense.
“So we have to work hard for the three points and it is an must-win game for us,” said Matsika.

During their meeting in the first half of the season, Rhinos won 3-2 after scoring two goals in time added on.
“At the moment we cannot say that Black Rhinos has been relegated or that we are safe. We have to play and get three points on Sunday while waiting for the other results to favour us,” said Matsika.

The former Black Rhinos goalkeeper said the soldiers have to keep the rhythm they showed in the last two matches they won against CAPS United (3-2) and Hwange (1-0).
“The guys have to try their level best and put the same effort shown in the games against CAPS United and Hwange.
“CAPS United were determined to win and the scoreline 3-2 was very close. So, we have to win and hope results elsewhere go our way,” said Matsika.

Fellow soldiers Buffaloes are also praying that the football gods will smile at them at Mandava on Sunday as coach Timothy Masachi knows that he needs all three points.

Masachi said his team were boosted their 1-0 victory over Monoz in their last game.
“We are playing for the three points so that we do not get relegated. Our problem has been in getting the goals although we have been playing well.

“I hope on Sunday, the boys will do well because they know what is at stake,” said Masachi.
Playing at Mandava will not be easy but Masachi remains hopeful.

“It’s a tricky game because we playing away and it’s a tricky situation in that it’s the last game of the season that we have to win at all costs,” said Masachi.