By Prince Chese
VHEMBE Stars Academy FC will be aiming for a crucial victory against Shurugwi FC at Dulibadzimu Stadium as the battle to escape the relegation zone intensifies in the Central Region Soccer League.
Vhembe Stars are currently 14th on the Matchday 8 log standings with seven points from eight matches after managing one win, four draws and three defeats.
Their opponents Shurugwi FC sit in 16th position with five points, while Matobo FC and FC Platinum U19 remain below them on four and one point respectively.
At the top of the table, Chapungu FC lead the standings with 22 points after remaining unbeaten in eight matches.
Gwanda Pirates FC are second with 17 points, while Grain Tigers FC, Kwekwe United FC and West Nicholson FC are all tied on 16 points.
Vhembe Stars coach Blessing Madombi said the club is unhappy with the number of draws collected so far this season.
“Yes, it is not pleasing because our draws are more than wins and losses on the table now, and our biggest job is to change those draws into wins,” said Madombi.
He said the team remains confident because of the quality within the squad and the support from sponsors.
“We are more confident with our squad and sponsorship, and now it is time to change the draws to wins,” he said.
Madombi said that Vhembe Stars must use home advantage to secure maximum points against Shurugwi FC.
“We need to record a win using home advantage,” he said.
A win for Vhembe Stars could move the club further away from danger and strengthen their hopes of climbing up the Central Region Soccer League table.