By McGeorge Mbare
VHEMBE Stars Academy are set to travel to Sabiwa on Wednesday to battle log leaders Blanket Mine in a Central Region Soccer League Matchday 29 encounter.
The stakes are high for both teams, albeit for different reasons, as the season heads towards its conclusion.
Vhembe Stars Academy, U Vhumba La Matshelo, are desperate for a victory to move away from the bottom of the table, with only five points separating them from 15th-placed FC Platinum U19.
On the other side of the coin, Blanket Mine, The Barbers, have an opportunity to further extend their points gap and strengthen their position at the top of the table, while keeping second placed Chapungu at bay.
After securing a 2-1 victory over Vhembe Stars at Dulibadzimu Stadium in the first round, Blanket Mine will be eager to make another statement at home and complete a league double.
Conversely, the Beitbridge based side face an uphill battle, sitting in a dangerous position that requires a rescue through maximum points.
The team has struggled throughout the campaign, having won only four matches in the league.
The pressure is therefore on Vhembe Stars to secure their fifth victory of the season as they seek to claw their way back to safety, making Wednesday’s encounter critical for both clubs.
As Vhembe Stars aim to turn their fortunes around, they must navigate the formidable challenge posed by a Blanket Mine side determined to strengthen its title bid.
Vhembe Stars Academy coach Stanley Ncube will be aiming to secure his first ever victory as head coach, while Blanket Mine coach Petros Jukulile will be looking to bolster his team’s goal difference by guiding his side to score more goals and secure maximum points.