The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
IT IS crunch time in the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL), as the country’s second-tier league reaches its business end.
The title-chasing trio of leaders Simba Bhora, second-placed Herentals and third-placed Golden Eagles are set to cancel each other out in a defining period in August.
Simba Bhora, with 52 points, are a point ahead of Herentals, while Eagles are on 49 points from 23 games.
But it is the three teams’ remaining fixtures which point to some explosive battles, especially when they come head-to-head in an intriguing fortnight in August.
It will all start on August 9 when Golden Eagles square off against Simba Bhora in a re-arranged fixture at Ellis Robins.
The game was postponed eight weeks ago following the tragic death of Simba Bhora star midfielder Barnabas Mushunje in a road accident.
On Match Day 28, on the weekend of August 13 to August 14, Herentals Under-20 will host Eagles.
The Students will travel for a showdown with Simba Bhora at Wadzanai Stadium in Shamva the following week.
Given that the three clubs have emerged as front-runners for promotion into the Premiership, results of their meetings will have a huge bearing on the destiny of the sole ticket to the top-flight.
Despite the significance being attached to these games, Herentals coach Celestino Benza reiterated that they will treat all the games in the same way.
“Eagles and Simba are fighting for promotion, so they are the ones who are under a lot of pressure. We will give them a good run,” said Benza.
“We are not fighting for promotion since we already have a team in the Premier League; the boys have to showcase their talent in every game to be able to be promoted to our senior team or other Premier League sides.”
But before those massive showdowns, Simba Bhora have Golden Valley to take care of when they travel to Rimuka in Kadoma on Friday, the same day Herentals will be hosting Karoi United at Motor Action Sports Club in Harare.
On Saturday, Chinhoyi Stars will be up against Golden Eagles, Cuthbert Malajila’s Cuma Academy host Harare City Cubs, and Trojan Stars, who last week fired coaches Ralph Kaondera and his assistant Clifford Sakala, will face Ngezi U-19.
On Sunday, Come Again will lock horns with Black Mambas, as Pam FC date Chegutu Pirates.
