BY TERRY MADYAUTA
THE Zifa Central Region Soccer League race for promotion is set for a nervy conclusion as three teams – Sheasham, Whawha and ZPC Munyati – go into the last round of fixtures today fancying chances of winning the championship.
Leaders Sheasham go into this final lap riding on a two-point cushion with 72 points while WhaWha have 70 points on their tally.
Third-placed ZPC Munyati has 69 points.
The three sides face teams that have nothing left to play for except the mandatory completion of fixtures, but it is the Dulibadzimu versus Sheasham match that will be the centre of attraction due to the fact that the latter are favourites to be crowned 2019 champions.
The reverse fixture between the two sides ended with fits-fights, as Dulibadzimu players and supporters protested a penalty awarded to Sheasham.
Sheasham travel to Beitbridge with head coach John Nyikadzino pretty poised to lead another team into the top-flight having presided over the promotion of Chapungu in 2013 and the now-defunct Nichrut in 2017.
Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Luke Petros is also targeting to lead the WhaWha prison wardens into the fashionable league for the second time when they face Shabanie Mine at Maglas.
ZPC Munyati date ZRP Gweru, however, their chances of promotion are slim compared to their rivals, as they will only be promoted if they win by a 10-goal margin, with both Sheasham and WhaWha losing heavily. Nyikadzino is confident that they will be promoted.
“We are going to conclude this day on a high note and I am confident that we will achieve our ultimate objectives. The players are in high spirits, but we are not going to be over excited,” Nyikadzino said.
Petros is also confident of promotion.
“This one is a nervy ending but I hope we are going to pass this hurdle. It is everyone’s dream to be promoted, and despite that we are trailing we remain optimistic,” he said.
