PSL relegation battle gets hotter

Langton Nyakwenda

GWERU’S main football arena, Ascot Stadium, will reopen for the Premier Soccer League this afternoon after two years of renovations.

The traditional home of football in the Midlands capital was closed after failing to meet the ZIFA First Instance Board’s requirements. Thanks to TelOne’s massive investment, the facility was renovated and has now been certified fit to host top-flight football. Ascot will host a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match between relegation-threatened TelOne and title contenders Simba Bhora this afternoon.

The Wi-Fi Boys used Bata Stadium, also in Gweru, before the homologation of Ascot and shared the venue with Central Region Soccer League (CSRL) title aspirants Sheasham. TelOne are now hoping the return to Ascot could boost their chances of survival. They are 15th on the log and have only two wins in their last 10 matches.

They have to start picking up maximum points if they are to avoid a repeat of 2019, when they were relegated in their debut appearance in the elite league.

“Ascot is our real home ground. Most of our supporters live close to the stadium and some of our players also come from suburbs close to the facility. That’s why we have put in a lot of effort to have the stadium ready for Premiership football,” TelOne president Oscah Nduwure said.

TelOne coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa acknowledges the daunting task that lies ahead, but the former Dynamos gaffer is confident he will pull through.

“We are going to take each game at a time, but next season, we will be playing Premiership football,” he told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

TelOne are among the bottom four teams, alongside Arenel Movers, Hwange and Chegutu Pirates. They are targeting to eclipse the likes of GreenFuel, Bulawayo Chiefs and Bikita Minerals in the battle against relegation, which is as intense as the race for the championship. But in Simba Bhora, TelOne face a well-drilled side, who have the title momentum swinging firmly their way.

Simba Bhora are unbeaten in nine games and had a four-point cushion at the top when the Premiership took a brief recess after Match Day 25 due to a FIFA international break. Their fine run saw Tonderai Ndiraya being rewarded with the Coach of the Month accolade for July-August, while talisman Walter Musona was voted the Player of the Month.

“They (Simba Bhora) are doing well under Ndiraya,” noted Maruwa, but the former Black Rhinos coach believes his side can match the Shamva-based team at Ascot this afternoon. He thinks Simba Bhora are under pressure to maintain the top spot.

“And they are playing a team that has gone for five games without a defeat,” said Maruwa. TelOne have four draws and a win in their last five outings. We are fighting relegation and Simba Bhora are fighting for the championship,” he said.

“So, both of us are playing for a reason. We need not put ourselves under pressure; we just need to make sure we put our act together and get maximum points.”

Marowa was appointed the TelOne coach in May, replacing Tendai Chikuni, who had a miserable start to the season.

Since his arrival, TelOne have stabilised, but they have been drawing more often.

The arrival of veteran players, who included Xolisani Moyo and Tafadzwa Jaravani, during the mid-season window boosted the Gweru side’s fortunes.

After facing Simba Bhora, TelOne will play Bikita Minerals (home), Chegutu Pirates (away), Ngezi Platinum Stars (home), Chicken Inn (away) and Herentals at home.

They also have CAPS United waiting in ambush away, Arenel Movers (home) and FC Platinum in Zvishavane. Another relegation-haunted team, Chegutu Pirates, who have found the going tough in their Premiership debut, host Bulawayo Chiefs at Baobab Stadium this afternoon.

Fixtures:

Bikita Minerals v ZPC Kariba (Sakubva)

CAPS United v Highlanders (Rufaro)

Chicken Inn v Yadah (Luveve)

Chegutu Pirates v Bulawayo Chiefs   (Baobab)

TelOne v Simba Bhora (Ascot)