By McGeorge Mbare
THE battle for survival climaxes this weekend as the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL) prepares for Matchday 34, the final round of the 2026 season.
While all eyes were on Blanket Mine as they clinched their maiden league title, ending Kwekwe United’s ambitions of lifting the championship on match day 33, attention has now shifted to the bottom of the table.
Here three teams fight to retain slots in the CRSL for the 2027 season.
Vhembe Stars Academy, MSU and ZRP Gwanda are desperate as they prepare for the final day to battle for dear life and avoid the chop.
Only one of the three teams can escape the drop, while the other two will join Shurugwi and Matobo already confirmed as relegated.
16th placed Vhembe Stars Academy face the toughest challenge as they head into their final fixture against second-placed Kwekwe United at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
The game has enormous pressure against angry Kwekwe who wanted a re-entry while Vhembe Stars cling for life.
Uvhumba la Matshelo will be relegated to the ZIFA Matabeleland South Division Two League if they fail to collect maximum points against Kwekwe United.
But they can be back through the back door their development side made up of schoolboys clinch the Division Two title which is highly likely.
Victory against Kwekwe will not guarantee Vhembe Stars Academy survival.
They need ZRP Gwanda to suffer a heavy defeat against MSU to stand a chance of avoiding the drop.
On the other hand, ZRP Gwanda need at least a draw against MSU to secure their survival, while MSU must record a convincing victory, with a significant goal difference.
That will improved by college boys chances of remaining in the league.
ZRP Gwanda sit on 32 points with a superior goal difference of -16, while Vhembe Stars Academy and MSU have 29 points each, with both sides having a goal difference of -22.
Vhembe Stars Academy assistant coach Paul Mugabiri admitted that his side faces a difficult assignment, describing the encounter as a must win fixture.
“This is a must win fixture. It will be full of pressure because we must win by a huge goal margin to catch up on goal difference. This will be very difficult considering that we are playing Kwekwe United,” Mugabiri said.
Elsewhere, newly crowned champions Blanket Mine will bring their season to a close against Good Morning as they look to finish the campaign unbeaten and cap off a remarkable season.
Beitbridge based Dulibadzimu United will face FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium on Sunday, while Chapungu will conclude their campaign against already relegated Matobo FC on Saturday.
Tongogara will take on West Nicholson, while Sabi Gold Mine face Superstrikers as the 2026 Central Region Soccer League season draws to an exciting conclusion.