Sports Reporter
AFTER regaining control of the Ruyamuro Northern Region Division One Soccer League following Herentals Under-20’s 0-0 draw at Banket Stadium yesterday, log leaders Simba Bhora will now be focusing on their last seven games in the riveting competition.
Simba Bhora now lead the log with 56 points, one above Herentals Under-20, going into their much-anticipated rescheduled clash against third-placed Golden Eagles at Ellis Robins on Tuesday.
That match has been billed as a potential title decider given that it is a high-profile top-of-the-table encounter against two sides who have really stood out to be major contenders for promotion into the Premier Soccer League.
Gilbert Mushangazhike’s Golden Eagles stayed in the hunt when they beat Cam & Motor 2-0 at Ellis Robins yesterday to remain three points behind Simba Bhora ahead the crunch midweek fixture that has sparked huge interest.
There are indications some fans will travel from Shamva to Harare for Tuesday’s game.
Simba Bhora seized top spot on Friday when they thumped Chinhoyi Stars 6-3 at Wadzanayi in a match that saw their chief striker Tinashe Balakasi breaking an eight-year record.
Balakasi scored five goals to take his tally to 26, smashing a record set by Kasimero Chimbadzwa, who plundered 22 goals for ZRP in 2014.
Simba Bhora have since remained in camp after their famous victory over
Chinhoyi Stars, amid indications the players have been promised that they will share US$500 for each goal scored against Golden Eagles.
The clash has been on ice for eight weeks, as it was postponed following the tragic death of Simba Bhora midfielder Barnabus Mushunje in a road accident.
Fans can now have a chance to watch the two giants of the Northern Region Soccer League in what is also a dress rehearsal of the season-ending Axis Solutions Super 8 Cup final in November.
Simba Bhora director Simba Ndoro told The Sunday Mail Sport that stakes were now high in the league and “there is no room for complacency”.
The last seven rounds of the league could be an intriguing race involving Simba Bhora, Herentals Under-20 and Golden Eagles.
Much of the spotlight will be on the clubs’ three coaches – Arthur Tutani, Paul Benza and Mushangazhike.
“We want to make sure we maintain good conditions for our players to perform to their fullest potential,” said Ndoro.
“As such, the team has been in camp since Friday after that win against Chinhoyi Stars.
“We are now looking forward to the big clash against Eagles on Tuesday and, fortunately, we have a benefactor who has pledged to pay US$500 for every goal scored.
“The stakes are now high going into the home stretch and there is no room for complacency.”
Meanwhile, Black Mambas beat Pam FC 1-0 in another match yesterday to take their points tally to 41.