Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
The race for the 2024 Premier Soccer League title is set to go to the wire after second-placed FC Platinum got a lifeline at the weekend.
With six matches to go and a seven-point difference at the top of the table, the battle is still on.
Log leaders, Simba Bhora have been relentless, dropping points only once in their last five matches.
A rare slip-up by Simba Bhora, has, however, opened the window for second-placed FC Platinum.
Simba Bhora share the spoils with defending champions, Ngezi Platinum Stars after a nil-all draw at Baobab, while FC Platinum edged giants Highlanders one-nil at Mandava stadium.
The results saw Simba Bhora’s lead being reduced to seven points with six matches to go before the end of the season.
While it seems like a done deal for Simba Bhora, six matches is a long stretch – if what happened to Highlanders, Manica Diamonds and Dynamos is anything to go by.
Last year Highlanders went on a 19-match unbeaten run, but they were nowhere near the podium at the end of the season.
Manica Diamonds who at one point were on top of the log with a seven-point cushion also failed to reach the promised land.
In 2022, FC Platinum overturned an 11-point deficit, as Dynamos looked destined for the title but a late charge saw Zvishavane-based FC Platinum taking home their fourth title.
Ironically, Dynamos were under Tonderai Ndiraya who is now the Simba Bhora coach.
Defending champions Ngezi Platinum are not out of it either.
The defending champions are on 43 points but have two games in hand.
At the bottom of the table are Chegutu Pirates on 20 points and second from bottom Arenel Movers are slowly running out of matches.
Hwange on 27 points and Bulawayo Chiefs on 30 are trying to play catch up with Bikita Minerals, Green Fuel and TelOne not too far ahead.
