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Fungayi Munyoro Mutare Correspondent
THE top five teams in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One will now play their matches at the same time, starting this weekend, as a way of avoiding manipulation of match results.

ZIFA regional secretary, Wisdom Simba, announced the move yesterday.

Simba said all the top five teams will play their league matches tomorrow.

Log leaders Mutare City Rovers host plucky Watsomba side African Trust at Sakubva.

The match starts at 3pm.

Buffaloes will host Surrey at Vengere in Rusape.

Prison and Correctional Services side Tenax, who are occupying third place on the log standings, will host Mukanya Bullets at Mutare Boys High School grounds.

In Masvingo, Mucheke Pirates will lock horns with stubborn Mutoko Traders at Mucheke.

“We have decided that all the top five teams should play on the same day. This is a move to reduce chances of having match results manipulated by teams competing for the regional title.

“We had to reschedule all the matches.

“The matches will be played at the same time across the region.

“Looking at our current log, the top five teams are doing very well to the extent that they are only separately by just a point or so.

“Given a scenario like this, a lot may happen, so we want to try and avoid anything that may affect the flow of the league.

“We have not faced any challenges before, but prevention is better than cure. We want our league to continue to run smoothly.

“At the end of the day the best team must be promoted,” he said.

Rovers are gunning for a quick return to top flight league football and lead the race with 36 points from 17 matches.

Buffaloes have the same number of points as Tenax.