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Innocent Kurira, [email protected] 

WITH Arenel and Chegutu Pirates already relegated, two more teams are set to join them in Division One football next season. 

As the 2024 season enters its final round, three teams remain uncertain about their fate. 

Bikita Minerals and Hwange occupy the last two relegation slots, tied on 35 points, with the Eastern Region side holding a superior goal difference of -11 compared to the coalminers’ -16.

Bulawayo Chiefs, in 14th position with 36 points, are also not safe. Bikita Minerals will play host to Hwange in the final round, potentially setting up a dramatic afternoon of football. Bulawayo Chiefs’ survival depends on winning their last match against Manica Diamonds. They have to win in Mutare or else they bite the dust. 

Bulawayo Chiefs

If they fail to secure three points and the Bikita Minerals-Hwange match produces a winner, they risk relegation.

ZPC Kariba secured safety following their goalless draw with Bulawayo Chiefs, thanks to an insurmountable goal difference advantage that renders the Hwange/Bikita match outcome inconsequential to their standing.

On average, 39 points have been enough to save a team from relegation since 2017, when the number of clubs in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League was increased to 18.

Bulawayo City and Chapungu finished on 39 points and survived the chop in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Yadah, who have battled against relegation demons in the last three consecutive seasons, needed 41 points to survive in 2019.

But 37 points were still good enough for The Miracle Boys during the 2021/2022 race.

Last season, Walter Magaya’s club needed a last-gasp win against Dynamos to reach the 40-point mark.

The weekend fixtures produced stunning upsets and thrilling goal-scoring feats.

FC Platinum handed Tonderayi Ndoro’s Simba Bhora their first home defeat of the season (1-0 at Wadzanayi Stadium), ending their 13-match home winning streak.

Hwange stunned Highlanders 4-3 at Colliery Stadium. In that game, Marceline Mlilo potentially scored the fastest goal of the season, netting in just 15 seconds.

Bosso striker, Lynoth Chikuhwa also managed to score his 16th goal, solidifying his lead in the Golden Boot race.

Lynoth Chikuhwa

In other matches, TelOne’s Leo Hofisi scored a crucial goal to ease relegation fears. 

Yadah FC defeated Greenfuel, securing their safety. Chegutu Pirates’ victory over CAPS United was inconsequential due to Bulawayo Chiefs’ draw.