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Tawanda Mangoma Sports Correspondent
MASVINGO will this weekend explode to life when the town’s two Zifa Eastern Region Division One sides lock horns for the first time in an potentially interesting derby at Mucheke Stadium.
With a nine-match unbeaten run, Masvingo United will host neighbours ZRP Masvingo in Week 14 of the promotion race.

Yuna Yuna who are now third on the table are still celebrating their win over lowly placed Chivhu Stars FC 2-1 while the police side is 12th on the table.

ZRP Masvingo will travel motivated by last weekend’s 3-2 win over Mwenezana at Mucheke.

Masvingo United are third on the table tied on points with leaders Buffaloes Juniors and second placed Eastern Stars who are on 27 points but separated by goal difference.

With 13 games played so far, the former Premier Soccer League side seems to be on course for a serious fight for the ticket to the elite division.

Masvingo United head coach Joel Nhumwa said his charges are preparing for the derby just like any other match.

Nhumwa said it is too early to speak about promotion as the team has only managed to collect 27 points from a possible 39.

“We are preparing for the ZRP Masvingo match just like any other game. We don’t change our style of preparing for a match because it’s a derby but we just do what is best for the team,” said Nhumwa.

Nhumwa credited his team’s nine-match unbeaten run to teamwork.

“On our nine match unbeaten run, I give credit to everyone, the players, the technical team and team executive. Combined efforts from all of us are the medicine behind our fine run and I hope we maintain that,” said Nhumwa.

Nhumwa said they are yet to sit as a technical team to agree on the areas which need to be attended to during this transfer window.

ZRP Masvingo chairman Moses Hunga however declared his side ready for the derby.

“We are playing Masvingo United at Mucheke Stadium which is also our home ground. We are preparing for the match and our boys are very motivated after edging Mwenezana 3-2 last weekend. Our team has no injuries or suspensions and we are raring to go,” said Hunga.

In other fixtures Mutare City will play host to Gutu FC while Ruwa Stars will welcome Eastern Stars.

Week 14 Fixtures: Mutare City v Gutu FC, Ruwa United v Eastern Stars, Mwenezana FC v Buffaloes Juniors, Masvingo United v ZRP Masvingo, FC Three Leaves v Chivhu Stars, Renco Mine v Surrey FC, Mutare Polytechnic v Gaza Gunners FC, Black Eagles FC v Tenax FC