THE bonus season is upon us and servicemen are celebrating, but that is not the state of affairs in Black Rhinos, Buffaloes and Black Mambas’ dressing rooms as one of them might be relegated this season.
BY ALBERT MARUFU
With three teams — Motor Action, Tripple B and Monomotapa — having gone down, the servicemen’s teams together with Shabanie FC are battling to avoid being the fourth team to sink.
Only a point separates these teams and Black Rhinos, who sit on position 14 with 34 points, date Hwange at Rimuka Stadium in Kadoma this afternoon.
Black Mambas and Buffaloes who are tied on 35 points respectively host Tripple B and Monomotapa. Shabanie, who are two points ahead, welcome a depleted Triangle at Maglas after those red cards in their midweek fixture against Highlanders in Bulawayo.
Black Rhinos coach Arthur Tutani, whose side’s destiny is no longer in their own hands, remains hopeful.
“Hwange are a very difficult side and have been playing very well in their recent matches. However, we have to beat them if we are to survive relegation. I hope to survive this relegation as a tribute to my former team mate at Tornadoes FC, Patrick Nechironga who passed on last week. I am happy that there are no injuries and former players are coming to support the team,” he said.
Tutani’s sentiments were echoed by veteran striker Gilbert Mushangazhike.
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Sadly for Tutani, the last time he was in the same situation with Mwana Africa, the club sank.
To add on to his woes, Hwange, on their day can be stubborn especially if Farai Vimisayi and Erick Chipeta strike the right button.
Though Hwange have survived relegation following their victory over another army side Buffaloes last week, Hwange will be aiming to finish the season on a high note.
Black Mambas coach, John “Toto” Ncube, whose side appears to be facing an insurmountable task ahead of them with their last game of the season being against title chasing Dynamos is mindful of what lies ahead.
However, Black Mambas who will be missing the injured Honey Chimutimunzeve and Paul Marazanye have to first clear the relegated Tripple B hurdle at Morris Depot today.
“It is going to be a tricky tie because relegated teams are always difficult to play against because they have no pressure at all. We have to win this game because our position on the log is not pleasing at all,” he said.
In Mutare, Buffaloes coach Peter Manoti is fretting on his side’s chances of beating a visiting Monomotapa who, like Tripple B, have already been relegated.
“The game is very crucial for us. We have a chance to survive relegation and I am sure we will manage. There are no injuries in the team,” he said.
The four teams’ last two games: Shabanie (37 points) Shabanie vs Triangle (home). Highlanders FC vs Shabanie (away). Buffaloes (35 points) Buffaloes FC vs Monomotapa (home). FC Platinum vs Buffaloes (away). Black Mambas (35 points) Black Mambas vs Tripple B (home). Dynamos vs Black Mambas (away). Black Rhinos (34 points) Black Rhinos vs Hwange (home). Monomotapa vs Black Rhinos (away).
