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Mukudzei Chingwere Midlands Bureau
The curtain will finally come down tomorrow in an explosive ZIFA Central Region Division One race with promotion favorites Nichrut appealing for fair play. Nichrut and Tongogara are joint leaders at the summit tied at 73 points but the Shurugwi-based Nichrut lead the standings courtesy of a superior goal difference.

Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Luke Petros’s Whawha are on position three, two points behind the leaders and a win for them at Blanket Mine, coupled with losses for both Nichrut who play Chrome Stars in Kwekwe and Tongogara who are in Kwekwe against Ivan Hoe, will see them returning to the Premiership.

Nichrut collected all set of points last week at home against Ivan Hoe, but allegations that the former got assistance from army side Tongogara to fulfil the fixture left a bitter taste in Shurugwi.

Ivan Hoe’s last game will be a home duel against title-chasers Tongogara and fears have been raised that the statutes of fair play might be compromised when these two clash. Nichrut coach John Nyikadzino, a retired soldier, says his side are on track to bring Premiership football to the scenic town of Shurugwi for the first time.

“I heard those rumours but it will be unfair to talk about that when there is no tangible evidence to say Tongogara helped Ivan Hoe to fulfil their game against us. But what we want not only as Nichrut but the whole football fraternity is for fair play to exist. We want the best team to win

promotion and represent the Region in the Premier League.

“We have done our best to be where we are today and the guys are ready to finish the job come Sunday. The guys are determined to make history and bring Premiership football to Shurugwi,” said Nyikadzino.

The scenic town, which is located on a picturesque landscape, has never had a team in the elite division. Its sons like Kingstone Rinemhota, Thomas Makwasha and coach Rodwell Dhlakama have competed among the best.