The exciting league has proved to be too difficult to predict at the top especially in the second round with at least six teams still in the running to finish the season at the top. As it stands, Matebele FC hold a slight advantage. Two weeks ago, they appeared to be running away with it after opening a five-point gap only for CRACKiT City Polar to spoil the party in the last encounter between the two sides. Now only two points separate them at the top. This Wednesday at the Tlokweng VDC ground, Matebele will face another tricky situation against Tlokweng United who on their day have proven to be a tough nut to crack. The hosts, despite currently holding position eight on the log standings, are not completely out of the danger zone and need at least eight points in the remaining four matches to survive the dreaded axe. Meanwhile, Black Rangers have already relegated after failing to register a single victory in 18 matches. Now Union Flamengo Santos, Tlokweng United, URI Black Forest, Matebejana and Broadhurst United have to battle it out to determine who follows Rangers in the lower division. However, Tlokweng United also face a wounded Matebele whose failure to win on Wednesday could spell doom for their position at the summit of the league table. Matebele are currently under the tutelage of Elias Chinyemba who has faced similar situation before at TAFIC but still succeeded. The loss to City Polar a fortnight ago was Matebele’s third in the league this season. The Wednesday clash comes just few days after another loss, this time against Premier League side, Masitaoka in the Orange FA Cup Last 16 round. On paper, Matebele face the toughest test in the remaining matches than other contenders, followed by Mochudi Centre Chiefs. After Tlokweng United encounter Matebele will remain with Notwane (at home), Young Stars (away) and will wrap up the season at home against Chiefs.
Second placed City Polar also face a tricky side, Santos at City Polar ground. The Students, as City Polar are affectionately called by their supporters, are the only side that has lost only one game this season. They have been let down by too many draws. A victory against Santos will keep their promotion dreams alive. Their advantage for now is that they will not play against any top six side in the remaining four matches. After Wednesday’s match against Santos, they will remain with Black Forest, Rangers and Matebejana. High riding VTM are expected to maintain their winning streak when they take on Rangers who are still to win a single match this season. VTM have not lost a single game since the return of head coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso. Under him, they have won three successive matches and yet to concede a goal. They are currently breathing heavily on the necks on both City Polar and Matebele with only three points separating them and log leaders. After the match against Rangers, VTM will remain will still have to play Magosi, Matebejana and Broadhurst United.
Young Stars who have been doing well saw their chances suffer a dent in the last match when they lost 1-0 to VTM. On Wednesday, they will get a chance to redeem themselves but face another wounded side, Chiefs who also suffered a defeat at the hands of Notwane. Another defeat to Magosi will almost shut their dream of gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League. Magosi also still have to play VTM, Broadhurst United and Matebele in the remaining games. In another match scheduled for Wednesday, Matebejana will host Black Forest at Holy Ghost Park. All matches kick-off at 3.30pm.
