Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THE quest for survival takes centre stage this weekend as teams’ battle to stay in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for one more season.
While focus is on who will claim the crown between log leaders Simba Bhora and former champions FC Platinum who are involved in a two-horse race with four matches remaining, an interesting battle for survival is what awaits teams at the tail end of the log.
Teams in the bottom half are not safe as any slip-up will see them sliding further into the murky waters of relegation.
Match Day 31 will see a clear relegation picture as some of the teams will face off.
All eyes will be on a low key Bulawayo Derby pitting Bulawayo Chiefs and bottom-placed Arenel Movers set for Luveve.
Arenel Movers on 22 points will be relegated if they lose to Bulawayo Chiefs who are on 32 points.
Second from bottom Chegutu Pirates host Chicken Inn at Baobab stadium this Sunday needing nothing short of victory to start moving up the table.
Pirates have 26 points and cannot afford to drop more points if they entertain any hopes of PSL football next season, while Chicken Inn are just playing for pride with no trophy in sight.
Equally so, Hwange may be headed for another sabbatical if Manica Diamonds make it difficult for them to keep alive their survival quest in a home clash set for the Colliery.
Chipangano are third from the bottom with 29 points, three behind Bulawayo Chiefs who are in 14th position.
Green Fuel on 12th position are not safe yet as they are just a point above the relegation zone as they prepare to face Highlanders at Barbourfields stadium.
On 11th position with 37 points, Yadah will need maximum points against ZPC Kariba to be off the hook in a match set for the Heart stadium.
Two points separate the two sides setting the stage for competition for the three points with the winner of that encounter, all but guaranteed of survival.
Gweru based TelOne will need a win to move to safety in their home clash to Herentals set for Ascot stadium.
15th placed Bikita Minerals will hope to bounce back to winning ways as the relegation axe is hovering over the Lithium boys who seem to have lost the fighting spirit in the second round of matches.
The Lithium boys face Ngezi Platinum now playing for pride with their only consolation likely to be the Chibuku super cup.
The other Saturday fixture will see log leaders Simba Bhora welcoming CAPS United in a fixture they cannot afford to lose as FC Platinum are ready to pounce.
Fireworks are, however, expected at Rufaro stadium as Dynamos host championship chasing FC Platinum at the ceremonial home of football.
A win for DeMbare will almost certainly kill FC Platinum’s title hopes.
