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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
RELEGATION threatened Tsholotsho FC have described their next Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter away to Buffaloes in Mutare as their biggest match of the season.

The Naughty Boys, as Tsholotsho are affectionately known, must win this game at all costs for them to revive their fading hopes of playing in the topflight league next season alive.

Tsholotsho are sitting precariously on position 13 with 22 points off 24 games, while Buffaloes are just a point above them.

Lizwe Sweswe, the Tsholotsho coach, said his team was fired up for the remainder of the campaign and believes Saturday’s game against Buffaloes will determine their destiny.

“The match against Buffaloes is an important game that is different from the other games we’ve played. It’s a big game for us and we need to make sure that we go for everything (maximum points). Even the approach is different; you’ll find that the players, technical team and management have shaken up because of the magnitude of this game,” said Sweswe.

“At this stage, everyone is playing for a purpose and any of the four teams can survive relegation. What we simply have to do is control the controllable by winning our games rather than relying on others to do us favours.”

Tsholotsho put on a spirited show in their last league match to hold title contenders FC Platinum to a goalless draw at Luveve Stadium on September 26.

With a little bit of luck, Tsholotsho could have handed the Zvishavane-based championship contenders their sixth defeat of the season.

Sweswe values the point they gained from the FC Platinum encounter.

“The game against FC Platinum is now history, but I believe that point was priceless. We wanted a win, but lady luck didn’t smile on us. That point could be what we needed and it won’t be surprising to see us surviving by a point,” said Sweswe.

Tsholotsho welcomed back playmaker Ocient Ncube and Kriess Chitiyo to the training ground after they missed the FC Platinum game due to injury.

They are expected to give Sweswe another dimension in Mutare against the wounded Buffaloes, who were beaten 4-1 by Chapungu in their last league game.

Tsholotsho will also need veteran players Joel Luphahla, Siza Khoza and Danisa Phiri to come to party and inspire the youngsters in the team’s demanding last six outings.

Some of the players that need to perform for Tsholotsho to survive include skipper William Stima, right back MacClive Phiri, central defender Thandolwenkosi Ncube, strikers Simbarashe Gorogodyo and Lynnoth Chikuhwa as well as holding midfielder Butholezwe Ncube.

After playing Buffaloes, Tsholotsho’s next game will be at home to Whawha before they travel for a tricky fixture against Hwange at the Colliery.

From the coalmining town, Tsholotsho will be involved in two derbies against log leaders Chicken Inn and ailing giants Highlanders before rounding off their season in a home tie against Harare City.

Remaining PSL fixtures for relegation threatened teams

Highlanders: Dongo Sawmill (home), Chapungu (away), Buffaloes (home), Hwange (away), Tsholotsho FC (home), ZPC Kariba (home)

ZPC Kariba: Caps United (home), Chapungu (home), Dongo Sawmill (away), Buffaloes (away), Hwange (home), Highlanders (away)

Buffaloes: Tsholotsho FC (home), Hwange (home), Highlanders (away), ZPC Kariba (home), Triangle United (away), Dynamos (home)

Tsholotsho FC: Buffaloes (away), Whawha (home), Hwange (away), Chicken Inn (home), Highlanders (away), Harare City (home)

Whawha: FC Platinum (away), Tsholotsho FC (away), Chicken Inn (home), Harare City (away), Flame Lily (home), Caps United (away)

Flame Lily: Triangle United (away), Dynamos (home), FC Platinum (home), How Mine (away), Whawha (away), Chicken Inn (home)

Dongo Sawmill: Highlanders (away), ZPC Kariba (home), Triangle United (away), Dynamos (home), How Mine (away), FC Platinum (home)

Week 25 fixtures

Saturday, October 10: How Mine v Chicken Inn (Luveve), ZPC Kariba v Caps United (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum v Whawha (Mandava), Buffaloes FC v Tsholotsho FC (Sakubva)

Sunday, October 11: Triangle United v Flame Lily (Gibbo), Dynamos v Harare City (Rufaro), Highlanders v Dongo Sawmill (Barbourfields), Hwange v Chapungu (Colliery)