By McGeorge Mbare
THE title race, promotion battle against relegation in the Central Region Soccer League Division One are near their climax as Matchday 27 beckons this weekend.
Log leaders Blanket Mine remain the only Matabeleland South side in contention for the title.
In the Midlands there is Kwekwe United and Chapungu vying for honours.
West Nicholson and Gwanda Pirates dropped points in their previous fixtures.
That leaves only the top three with a mathematical chance of winning the title.
Blanket Mine locks horns with Super Strikers on Sunday at Sabiwa Stadium.
Both teams are fighting for local bragging rights in what promises to be more than just a battle for three points.
Blanket Mine go into the match with 64 points after recording 19 victories and seven draws.
It remains unbeaten in the competition.
Super Strikers go into the match with 26 points, level with MSU FC, although Strikers have a superior goal difference.
Speaking ahead of the match, Blanket Mine coach Petros Jukulile backed his team to give their best, describing the encounter as a showcase game rather than just another league fixture.
“We are going to give our best. As I always say, local derbies are not games that you can underrate or predict because these games are more about motivation, with players often putting in extra effort and performing beyond what they usually do. So, the better team on the day will be in a position to walk away with the maximum points at stake,” Jukulile said.
Elsewhere, Beitbridge side Vhembe Stars Academy expect hosting MSU FC at Dulibadzimu Stadium Saturday.
The Limpopo River side have not been enjoying their best run of form, having suffered a series of defeats and recorded too many draws compared to wins.
Speaking ahead of the match, new coach Stanley Ncube said the objective is to secure three points and avoid relegation.
“We must start accumulating maximum points if we are to survive the drop. The good thing is that the belief is now there, and we are pushing for application. We will continue playing our usual passing game with purpose, hoping to create scoring chances and improve defensively, as we have been conceding soft goals,” Ncube said.
Vhembe Stars currently sit in 16th position with 21 points, while MSU FC are in 13th position with 26 points.
Vhembe, regarded as the team of the future in the region, boasts of mostly young players who have slowly gained confidence amongst big boys.
Ncube is expected to guide them deliver the final crucial pass to glory with all other departments well oiled.
Dulivhadzimu Stadium on Sunday welcomes its namesake in Dulibadzimu United who host Shabani Mine.
The hosts under Rutherford Matondo have become a new entity, a rolling machine which withstood a fighting West Nicholson away.
Despite having been reduced to 10 men, facing a hostile referee who surprisingly reviewed an own earlier decision to take away a Dulis foul, Matondo’s boys held still and took away a valuable point.
Dulis matches with Shabani Mine are known grudge matches and an on-song Reece Mabhidhi can ghost any chance.
Central Region Goalkeeper of the Month Prince will hope to consolidate his reign.