By McGeorge Mbare
VHEMBE Stars Academy will host Gwanda Pirates on Matchday 32 of the Central Region Soccer League Division One at Ronnie’s Sports Arena Saturday, as they battle to move out of the relegation zone.
Having secured a 2-1 victory over West Nicholson in their previous fixture, coach Stanley “Stano” Ncube and his charges hope to build on that result and collect maximum points against Pirates.
That will help close the four-point gap separating them from Sabi Gold Mine.
Thenyouthful team will also pin hopes on their “old guard” at Dulibadzimu United to beat Sabi keeping the team in check.
Vhembe Stars Academy remain in the relegation zone with 25 points, trailing MSU and Sabi Gold Mine, tied on 29.
The Beitbridge based side will need to remain focused and disciplined if they are to overcome Pirates, who will be looking to bounce back after dropping points in a 1-1 draw against MSU.
The Gwanda outfit will be eager to correct that result and return to winning ways.
In their first round meeting at Phelandaba Stadium, Vhembe Stars held Pirates to a 1-1 draw, a result that surprised many given Pirates’ reputation as one of the league’s most ruthless sides.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Stano said his charges were working hard but expressed concern over the absence of their leading goal scorer, Davies Nyamukondiwa, who is suspended.
“We just have to continue working hard, one game at a time. Only Diva is out on suspension,” said Ncube.
Dulibadzimu United travel to Sabi Gold Mine Saturday sartuday , as they seek redemption following a 1-0 defeat to the Grain Tigers in their midweek encounter.
Dulis sit nineth on the league table with 38 points, while Sabi Gold Mine have 29 points and remain just four points clear of the relegation zone.
The encounter is expected to attract considerable interest from MSU and Vhembe Stars supporters, who will be closely monitoring the result as their respective teams fight for survival.
A victory for Dulibadzimu United would deal a blow to Sabi Gold Mine’s hopes of moving further away from the relegation battle, potentially benefiting Vhembe Stars and MSU in their fight to remain in the league.
With the season approaching its decisive stages, every point will be crucial for the teams battling to avoid relegation.
For Vhembe Stars, a win against Gwanda Pirates would provide a major boost to their survival hopes, while the outcome of the clash between Dulis and Sabi Gold Mine could have significant implications for the relegation battle.
Vhembe will be under pressure to deliver results as the race for survival intensifies in the Central Region Soccer League.