By Prince Chese
Vhembe Stars Academy U19 are preparing for a high-stakes encounter Sunday, October 26, 2025, facing disputed log leaders Super Strikers FC in Gwanda.
While the Matabeleland South Division 2 Pool A clash is billed explosive, both teams eyeing promotion, hosts streak of violence startles.
About three games featuring Super strikers this season have been abandoned due to alleged poor officiating and violence.
Referees are accused of bias.
The team has had two consecutive matches abandoned, yet ruled in their favor.
That’s besides another match to make three, the number of matches involving Super Strikers that were abandoned this season alone.
Last year, Super Strikers ran mad at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge where the local authority recorded its violence.
ZIFA Matabeleland South Pool A chairman Ncube said he is not part of the disciplinary committee that found Super Strikers not guilty.
“Ask the disciplinary committee, I hope you know the ZIFA statutes and rules. The disciplinary committee awarded them the disputed games after the match reports,” he said.
Asked why Super strikers was common in all abandoned matches Ncube said at times matches are like that.
“Have you watched Highlanders and Dynamos? Its part of soccer,” he said.
On the violent conduct at Beitbridge Ncube said there was never a deport like that.
“we asked the Municipality of Beitbridge to confirm and there was nothing. We don’t have such a report. Ask (Loud) Ramakgapola , he never gave me a report even when I asked,“ he said.
Ramakgapola said a report of the violence was written to ZIFA.
“We wrote that report and gave them,” he said.
Vhembe Stars currently sitting third on the table with 43 points from 21 games, Vhembe Stars have registered 13 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses.
Super Strikers, lead the standings with 50 points, having only suffered one defeat this season at the hands of Vhembe Stars.
That memorable first-leg encounter at Dulibadzimu Stadium saw Vhembe Stars claim a 3-2 victory from a Themba Bajila score.
Super Strikers responded from the spot.
Vhembe extended their lead with two more goals, leaving Believe Moyo’s late 85th-minute effort as only a consolation for Super Strikers.
As the two sides prepare to meet again, Vhembe Stars team manager Elder Kelvin Mahoro says his side is more than ready.
“Whether we play 90 or 100 minutes, we are prepared,” said Mahoro.
“Our fans have been behind us from day one and continue to motivate the boys.”
He said the squad is in good shape.
“We are hoping for a win on their turf. No matter what magic they bring, our team is balanced and injury-free,” he said.
Super Strikers come into the game with some uncertainty after their last match against Unicem was abandoned due to disturbances.
Vhembe Stars still have a game in hand against Gwanda Delete a fixture that could be crucial in the final points tally for promotion.
Sunday’s match will be a defining moment in the league, with both teams determined to prove their worth and take control of the title race.