Zimpapers Logo

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

THERE is every reason to be at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva tomorrow for the bumper Northern Region Division One Soccer League top-of-the table clash between Simba Bhora and Herentals Under-20.

The hosts Simba Bhora lead the standings with 60 points to their name, just two above their opponents who have a game in hand.

In a way, tomorrow’s battle is a match between the league’s best scorers, Simba Bhora, who have smashed 67 goals past their opponents, and the best defenders in the division, Herentals, who have conceded just nine goals.

The league’s top goalscorer Tinashe Balakasi, who has netted 26 times, will face the league’s best goalkeeper Nevermind Shereni ,who has kept out 19 clean sheets.

In more ways than one, this match could decide the destiny of the championship.

Both Balakasi and Antonio, who will be the main focus of attraction together with Herentals striker Salif Cheya, have expressed excitement ahead of the match.

Balakasi has smashed the scoring records in the division and is raring to help his team consolidate their place at the top of the log.

“This could be the biggest match this season given the positions both teams are occupying,” said Balakasi.

“We are ready to go and show what we can do as a team. This is not going to be an easy match at all but we are playing at home, in front of our own supporters and we cannot afford to disappoint them.

“It’s not a secret that we want to be promoted into the Premier Soccer League and we can only achieve that feat if we win matches like this.

“The boys are motivated for this game and we are raring to go. It’s not like I am under pressure to score; the point is to win the match with me or anyone else scoring.”

Antonio said he is aiming to record his 20th clean sheet.

“I always go into matches with just one aim in mind. I want to prevent them from scoring. This is a match we should win at all costs. We are Herentals and we know what to do to win. We are more than ready to go out there and conquer,” said Antonio.

The Young Students won the reverse tie 2-0 at Morris Depot in the reverse fixture early this year.

Fixtures

Today

Ngezi Platinum U19 v Commando Bullets (Baobab)

Tomorrow

Black Mambas v Chinhoyi Stars (Morris)

Simba Bhora v Herentals U20 (Wadzanai)

Karoi United v Harare City Cubs (Chikangwe)

Chegutu Pirates v Cam and Motor (Rimuka)

Sunday

Banket United v CUMA Academy (Kuwadzana)

Come Again v PAM (Rimuka)