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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
DESPITE enjoying what looks like a healthy five-point lead at the top of the Southern Region Division One League, title hopefuls Hwange are wary of their weekend opponents, Main Line.

Hwange appear to be on course for an early return to the Premiership with 49 points from 21 games and a five-point lead over second-placed Tsholotsho.

The coalminers face Main Line at Colliery Stadium tomorrow and coach Nation Dube said they were “scared” of their opponents.

“There is too much pressure by just being at the top and at times it’s a bit scary when you face the so-called small teams. Most teams at the bottom give us tough battles like what Toronto did to us. They beat us and they are at the bottom. The race is far from over, meaning we have to take each game like a final. We have to avoid losing and at least pick a point if push comes to shove,” he said.

Experienced players have lessened Dube’s burden, with the gaffer singing their praises.

Former national team defenders Obert Moyo and Felix Chindungwe, veteran striker Gilbert Zulu, who leads the league’s scorers chat with 14 goals, midfielders Canaan Nkomo, Eddie Nkulungo, Andrew Chuma and Innocent Ndlovu are experienced players leading Hwange’s campaign for a quick Premiership return.

Tomorrow, Hwange will be without the injured trio of defender Clayton Phiri as well as forwards Courage Sibanda and Mostafa Ncube.

Hwange head into tomorrow’s game on the back of last weekend’s 2-0 away win over CIWU, while Main Line drew 1-1 with Zim Leopards.

Tsholotsho date Bosso 90 tomorrow at Luveve Stadium knowing that a slip-up will be potentially fatal.

Talen Vision will be targeting the scalp of NRZ Tigers without central midfielder Mongameli Ndlovu, who is serving suspension for accumulating three yellow cards.

CIWU’s Nqobizitha Mpofu, Fredrick Phiri of Mosi Rovers and ZPC Hwange’s Mlungisi Ndlovu will also miss the weekend matches through suspension.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Hwange v Main Line (Hwange, 12PM), Casmyn v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Turk Mine), ZPC Hwange v Moto Moto (Hwange, 12PM), Tsholotsho v Bosso 90 (Luveve), Toronto v CIWU (Brady Barracks, 12PM), Talen Vision v NRZ Leopards (Gifford, 12PM)

Sunday: Mosi Rovers v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Victoria Falls), Zim Leopards v Makomo (Luveve, 12PM)

Table
P W D L F A GD Pts

Hwange 21 15 4 2 39 12 27 49

Tsholotsho 21 12 8 1 24 10 14 44

I. Iyanyathela 21 10 6 5 29 16 13 36

ZPC Hwange 21 9 9 3 20 11 9 36

Makomo 21 9 6 5 28 23 5 34

Talen Vision 21 8 8 5 25 15 10 32

Bosso 90 21 8 8 5 20 14 6 32

CIWU 21 6 8 7 20 21 -1 25

Moto Moto 20 5 9 7 16 17 -1 24

Mosi Rovers 21 7 3 11 23 28 -5 24

Zim Leopards 21 5 6 10 16 28 -12 21

Casmyn 21 5 6 10 12 24 -12 21

Main Line 21 5 5 11 14 26 -14 20

Toronto 21 2 12 7 10 19 -9 18

ZRP Bulawayo 21 3 5 13 12 28 -16 15

NRZ Leopards 20 3 5 12 11 28 -17 14

– @ZililoR