By McGeorge Mbare
THE Central Region Soccer League Division One braces for Match Day 25, with a number of key battles lined up in midweek fixtures that could have significant consequences for teams on both ends of the table.
In a notable fixture, Dulibadzimu United will host Gwanda Pirates in the border town on Wednesday, September 16.
The match will be filled with mixed feelings, expectations and ambitions, as Dulibadzimu look to restore their dignity by securing their first-ever win against the Gwanda side , while Pirates will be hoping to continue their impressive record against the Beitbridge side.
Over the past season, Gwanda Pirates have never lost to Dulibadzimu, either at home or away, which is a remarkable record for the Pirates.
Dulibadzimu sit 11th on the log with 26 points, while Gwanda Pirates occupy fifth place with 45 points.
In another fxiture, log leaders Blanket Mine FC will host fourth-placed West Nicholson FC at Sabiwa on Wednesday.
The two teams are firmly in the championship and promotion race, with both sides proving to be versatile and dangerous in front of goal.
Blanket Mine go into the match with 58 points from 24 matches, while West Nicholson have 49 points from 23 matches and a game in hand against Dulibadzimu United.
In their previous fixtures, Blanket Mine dropped points after a 1-1 draw against Tongogara, leaving them with a must win ambition against West Nicholson.
Speaking ahead of the match, West Nicholson coach Ofhani Muleya hailed his players, saying they would play their best football in what is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated matches across the league.
“It’s a big match between the giants, considering that Blanket is the team to beat as it is on top of the log. It’s a big motivation on its own. I urge our supporters to come out in numbers to witness one of the best and most thrilling matches,” Muleya said.
Muleya also said his boys will give Blanket Mine a run.
Elsewhere, Tongogara will host Shabane, while Grain Tigers will welcome MSU FC at home.
Grain Tigers will be aiming to build on their winning momentum after beating Vhembe Stars Academy 2-1 on Match Day 23.
Grain Tigers coach Noah Mavindi said he was looking to secure three points against MSU FC.
He spoke after his side’s victory over Vhembe Stars Academy in Beitbridge.
“We will host MSU at home next match and we hope to use our home advantage and secure more points. We are making sure we end in a better position because, right now, we are no longer capable of winning the championship, as you can see where we are on the table,” Mavindi said.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Vhembe Stars Academy will host ZRP Gwanda at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
Vhembe Stars Academy are currently in a difficult position, but three points against ZRP Gwanda could make their fight for survival easier by helping them reduce the points gap and improve their goal difference.
The Beitbridge side sits 16th with 19 points, three points behind Sabi Gold Mine and four points behind MSU FC.