Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING champions Scottland will seek to strengthen their hold on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League summit when they host struggling Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium on Friday.
Scottland head into the encounter in impressive form, having won their last six matches and gone nine games unbeaten since suffering their only defeat of the season to Simba Bhora on May 3.
The Mabvuku-based side has gathered momentum in its title defence and knows that a victory could open an eight-point gap at the top of the table, at least temporarily, before second-placed Hardrock face Chicken Inn on Saturday.
For Manica Diamonds, the stakes are equally high but for different reasons. The Gem Boys are battling to preserve their top-flight status and arrive in Harare having managed just two wins over the same period.
Friday’s encounter pits two sides with contrasting objectives against each other, with Scottland pursuing championship glory while Manica Diamonds search for crucial points in their fight against relegation.
Manica Diamonds have appointed former Dynamos and TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa to spearhead their survival campaign, although it remains unclear whether he will take his place on the technical bench for the clash.
With Scottland aiming to tighten their grip on the title race and Manica Diamonds desperate to climb away from danger, a fiercely contested battle is expected at Rufaro Stadium.
The remainder of Matchday 20 will be played over the weekend.
On Saturday, Simba Bhora host TelOne at Wadzanayi Stadium, while FC Platinum welcome FC Hunters to Mandava Stadium. MWOS face Highlanders at Ngoni Stadium, with CAPS United taking on Triangle at Rufaro Stadium.
Sunday’s fixtures will see AGAMA host Herentals before Dynamos conclude the round with a meeting against Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium.
