Battle royale for top 5 as league marathon races to Match Day 8
Hardrock, Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum, Scottland all face off in early stampede for pole position
By Auther Chimbgwa
Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League pacesetters Hardrock, Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum and Scottland all battle each other in a mouth-watering Match Day 8 football weekend that will also see traditional giants Dynamos and Highlanders also involved in tricky derby clashes.
Scottland square off with third placed Dynamos at Rufaro stadium on Wednesday with little to separate the unbeaten neighbours since the reigning champions were promoted into the country’s elite football competition last season.
The Mabvuku side were in May last year 1-0 victors over Dynamos who punched back with a Denver Mukamba inspired 3-2 victory over the same opponents in August.
It is difficult to pinpoint who claims the bragging rights between the two sides.
Scottland demolished Dynamos 5-0 in a Castle Challenge Cup clash just before the start of the league race in March this year whereas Dynamos remain unbeaten in any league clash since former coach kelvin Kaindu’s fairy-tale run late last year.
In another match that carries the same weight, joint table toppers Hardrock welcome fourth-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars at Chahwanda stadium on Sunday.
The cash rich Kwekwe side are yet to taste defeat at their pristine Chahwanda stadium whereas Ngezi Platinum remain unbeaten in the current league race.
Elsewhere, Highlanders play away to neighbours Chicken Inn at Barbourfields with the goal-shy giants hoping to clinch their first set of maximum points in a league clash this season.
Highlanders have been punching below their weight after scratching an uninspiring seven draws in a row in the league so far.
Match Day 8 round of clashes starts this Saturday with a low profile contest between Herentals College and league debutants FC Hunters at Rufaro.
In Sunday matches, log leaders Caps United clash with inconsistent TelOne at Rufaro stadium while AGAMA take on Simba Bhora at Wadzanayi stadium. FC Platinum host MWOS at Mandava stadium.
Triangle also welcome basement side Manica Diamonds at Gibbo stadium in a Manicaland derby.
Apart from the Scottland-Dynamos and Chicken Inn-Highlanders derbies on Wednesday, ZPC Kariba are at home to visiting Bulawayo Chiefs at Nyamhunga stadium.
All matches start at 3pm.
