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Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sport Hub

THE 2024 Northern Region Soccer League looks set for a dramatic finish this afternoon as Scottland and MWOS fight for the sole ticket to the Premiership.

Scottland lead by two points going into today’s final round of matches, while MWOS have a healthier goal difference in the event that the leaders are held to a draw.

In-form Black Mambas stand between Scottland and a historic promotion into the Premiership on the first attempt as they clash at Rufaro.

In Norton, MWOS host Agama at Ngoni hoping to capitalise on any slip-up by leaders Scottland.

The Mabvuku-based side shot to the summit of the league on Monday after getting three points and a 3-0 scoreline from their abandoned match at Karoi United.

The cash-strapped Karoi United then lodged an appeal with Zifa, paying US$5000 in the process.

This would dampen today’s grand finale.

However, there was confusion yesterday amid reports the Karoi United lawyer who handled the original matter distanced himself from the papers lodged with Zifa.

The Karoi United leadership was understood to be in a meeting for the better part of the afternoon deliberating on the issue.

There were suggestions that there was a strong push to withdraw the case.

A source confirmed that there will be developments concerning Karoi United’s appeal.

“Their club lawyer distanced himself from the application and officials from the club promised to give their position after their meeting which they held in the afternoon (yesterday).

“So club officials were supposed to confirm their position to the region by the end of the day,” said the source. An attempt to get an official comment from Karoi United was fruitless.

Meanwhile, Scottland coach Genesis Mangombe said he was cautious ahead of their match as they seek to win the game at all costs.

“It’s just like any other game and I will take it seriously. Black Mambas are performing well against the big teams in the top four and this game being a decider means we need to be cautious.

“But all we need to do is win and we have to guard jealously against our goal as we want to put smiles on our bosses and fans.”

Mangombe believes its not easy to compete in the NRSL.

“It’s not easy to win the championship, especially the NRSL. Our bosses have poured a lot of resources for us to be where we are.

“The bosses did well in incentivising the boys which has taken us this far.

“The team has taken football to another new dimension as everything from winning bonuses and salaries.

“It’s a well-funded and motivated team. At the end of the day, we tried our best and anything can happen in the game of football but we are going out for a win,” he said.