Eastern Region race enters home stretch

Sport
The Eastern Region Division One championship challenge has narrowed to a two horse race between log leaders Mutare City Rovers FC and Buffaloes Juniors FC as it enters home stretch.

The Eastern Region Division One championship challenge has narrowed to a two horse race between log leaders Mutare City Rovers FC and Buffaloes Juniors FC as it enters home stretch.

By Nyambira Chivasa

It’s almost certain that the sole ticket to play in the topflight league will remain in Mutare as the battle now lies between the two clubs that are based in the border town.

If the ticket remains in Mutare, the move will see the town having two premiership clubs as they already have army side Buffaloes, provided they survive the dreaded chop as they have been finding the going tough in the Castle Lager premiership.

Both teams kept their promotion battle alive after posting emphatic victories over the weekend.

Buffaloes Juniors beat ZRP Masvingo FC 2-0 at Mucheke last Sunday to maintain top spot.

The Mutare-based outfit has so far collected 55 points from 24 outings and is a point ahead of second placed Mutare City who narrowly edged Gaza Gunners 2-1 at their own backyard.

Out of the 24 outings, Buffaloes Juniors have managed to win 18 times, drew once and lost five.

Mutare City are a stone throw away with just a single point from the log leaders. On 54 points, the Mutare-based side has managed to win 16 times, drew six times and lost twice.

Eastern Stars are on third position with 47 points after handing Chivhu Star a thorough 4-0 beating.

Former premiership side Masvingo United who have been blowing hot and cold seem to be losing grip of the leading pact as they were dealt a blow by Renco Mine FC who had a spirited performance to force a 1-all draw.

The results cast into doubt their chances of making a quick return to the topflight league despite the league still having six matches to be played.

They are on fourth position with 46 points, nine behind log leaders. However, they are still within a shouting distance.

Speaking to Standardsport, Mutare City Rovers FC secretary Soul Tomu paid tribute to Mutare City council that has been bankrolling the club.

“We have been enjoying a sound financial backing from the city of Mutare and other stakeholders, as well as individuals. Everyone has started believing that promotion into the league is achievable,” Tomu said.

Weekend fixtures: FC Three Leaves vs Renco Mine FC Masvingo United vs Mutare Poly FC Mwenezana vs Tenax FC Mutare City vs Surrey FC Ruwa United vs Gaza Gunners FC Gutu Fc vs Chivhu Stars Eastern Stars vs ZRP Masvingo FC Black Eagles vs Buffaloes Juniors

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