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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
TIMOTHY January of Bulawayo City is the only player suspended for November’s first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches whose focus will be in the Midlands province.

The diminutive dribbling winger is carrying three yellow cards that automatically rule him out of his relegated side’s away game to Yadah at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.

“Please note that the player(s) listed hereunder have each accumulated three (3) yellow cards and will be suspended for one match respectively. The said player shall not participate in their club’s match day thirty-two of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League scheduled for the 3rd and 4th November 2018. Where a match has been postponed, the player(s) shall be suspended during the next match,” read a PSL statement.

January was yellow carded in City’s encounters against Nichrut on May 2, Highlanders on October 21 and ZPC Kariba four days later.

While January has stood out this weekend as the only player to be suspended in the first games of November, focus will undoubtedly be in the Midlands province where defending champions FC Platinum are likely to be confirmed 2018 champions if they avoid defeat against relegated Shabanie Mine in a Zvishavane derby at Maglas Stadium on Sunday.

Pure Platinum Play are on 72 points heading into this weekend’s round of matches and will clock 73 with a point, while second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars will potentially end the season on 71 if they collect maximum points in their remaining three games.

This weekend, Ngezi, who surprisingly parted ways with head coach Tonderayi Ndiraya after a 0-1 loss to struggling Bulawayo City at Barbourfields Stadium a few weeks ago, are home to Bulawayo Chiefs.

Seven teams are still in danger of relegation after the demise of Shabanie Mine, Bulawayo City and Mutare City.

Nichrut, who take on Herentals, occupy the last relegation slot with 33 points, but can end the season on 42 points if they win the last three games.

Chapungu are on 37 points and are away to ZPC Kariba, who have 41 points.

Yadah have 38 and play host to Bulawayo City at Rufaro Stadium, while Chiefs are on 38 points and Black Rhinos on 42.

Fixtures

Saturday:

-Yadah v Bulawayo City (Rufaro)

-ZPC Kariba v Chapungu (Nyamhunga)

-Chicken Inn v Black Rhinos (Luveve)

-Nichrut v Herentals (Ascot)

Sunday:

-Highlanders v Harare City (Barbourfields)

-Mutare City v Caps United (Vhengere)

-Shabanie Mine v FC Platinum (Maglas)

-Dynamos v Triangle United (Rufaro)

– Ngezi Platinum v Bulawayo Chiefs (Baobab)