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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
AFTER a decent run in the first half of their maiden dance with the Ruyamuro Service Station, Northern Region Division One League debutantes Beta XI are now shifting focus to a strong finish and possibly winning the championship. The brickmakers, one of the best-sponsored teams in the league, are among the top three and are tied with Cranborne Bullets and Golden Valley in the title race.

All the top three teams have 28 points, but Beta XI have since shifted focus and now believe everything is possible, including winning the championship.

Godfrey Chikwende, the Beta XI secretary-general, said they are now shifting their attention from surviving relegation in their first year to even challenging for honours.

“We are happy with our performance in the opening games and we hope we are in the same category with the teams in the league.

“At first we had the misconception that they are superior to us, but having played 14 games, our confidence has risen and we now look forward to each game. The games are competitive than those in Division Two, but we have managed to match most of the teams’ standards,’’ Chikwende said.

Chikwende attributes their rise to hard work.
“I think hard work is the only secret to success and for us it’s no difference.
“We have been working hard and we will continue like that,” said Chikwende.

In other matches, mid-table outfit Herentals Under-20 host ZRP FC at the National Sports Stadium’s B Arena in a game where emerging female referee Neria Tembo will be among the match officials taking charge.

Nesbert Saruchera’s table-topping Cranborne Bullets could hand Ikabort Masocha defeat in his first game in charge of Trojan Stars in Bindura.
Mushowani Stars welcome Ngezi Platinum’s Under-19 side in Madziwa.
Northern Region Fixtures:

Today:
Blue Swallows v Blue Jets (Manyame), Al Buraak v Harare City Cubs (Ellis Robbins), Chinhoyi Stars v Beta XI (Chinhoyi), PAM United v DZ Evangel (Muriel Mine), Banket Mine v Golden Valley (Kuwadzana), Trojan Mine v Cranborne Bullets (Trojan), Mushowani Stars v Ngezi U-19), Herentals U-20 v ZRP FC (NSS).
Central Region Fixtures:
Tongogara v Ivan Hoe Mine (Battlefields), ZPC Munyati v TelOne (Munyati), Vumbachikwe v WhaWha (Vumbachikwe).
Tomorrow:
Blanket Mine v Black Eagles (Blanket).
Eastern Region Fixtures:
Tenax v Melfort (Mutare Boys High), Gaza Gunners v Mwenezana (Gaza), Prime Rangers v United Lions (Chiremba), Buffaloes v Bikita Minerals (Vengere), Masvingo Pirates v Renco Mine (Mucheke).
Tomorrow:
Surrey Abattoirs v Gutu/Mpandawana (Madhaka), Zero One One v Green Fuels (Paradise), Manica Diamonds v Masvingo United (Mutare Boys).
Southern Region Fixtures:
Today
Tsholotsho v ZRP Bulawayo (Luveve), Zim Leopards v Indhlovu Iyanyathela (Luveve), Mosi Rovers v Moto Moto (Vic Falls), Casmyn v CIWU (Turk Mine), Talen Vision v Bosso 90 (Gifford), Hwange v Makomo (Hwange).
Tomorrow:
Toronto v Main Line (Luveve).