DEFENDING champions Herentals Queens have implored calmness ahead of the much-awaited Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) top-of-the-table clash against log leaders Chapungu Queens at Manyame Airbase this morning.
The two teams head into this mouth-watering encounter with two points separating them, setting the stage for an intriguing battle at the summit.
Hosts Chapungu are currently reigning supreme on the 16-team standings with 36 points from 13 matches, while Herentals are hot on their heels in second place with 34 points.
Although tied with Correctional Queens, Herentals enjoy a superior goal difference, boasting 41 against the latter’s 34.
Both Chapungu and Herentals have lost a single match each so far this season, making this encounter even more entertaining.
Correctional Queens will be looking to keep the pressure on the top two teams as they host Harare City Queens at Wagadhugu Stadium this morning.
A win would not only boost their own chances, but also potentially shake up the standings.
Simbarashe Dedza, Herentals head coach, emphasised the importance of scoring goals in today’s match.
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“Our key aspect is to obtain our objective first, which is scoring goals,” Dedza told NewsDay Weekender Sport.
“Winning or losing will not determine the league. What determines the league champions is the last day of the season. So, we have a long way to go up to the last point.”
Chapungu Queens are in rich vein of form, netting 49 goals and conceding just twice in 13 outings.
Herentals, on the other hand, have been equally imperious, scoring 46 and conceding five.
The home team boasts a lethal strike force comprising hitmen Rudo Neshamba and Ethel Chinyerere, while the visitors have Praynance Zwawanda and Maud Mafuruse leading their goal-scoring charge.
The match is delicately poised, with whoever steps on a banana peel likely to fall.
Dedza remained confident in his team’s strategy.
“Our strategy against Chapungu is to go there and re-emphasise our strategy,” he said.
“Our motivation comes from the way we want to play our game.
“We know how we want to play our game, so that is our confidant.”
In other matches lined up today, Faith Drive Academy will host Black Rhinos at Chisamba Stadium, while Highlanders Royals take on Red Buffalo Sports Academy at Bulawayo Chiefs Village.
Cranborne Royals will face off against Black Mambas Queens at One Commando Grounds.
Tomorrow, the ZWPSL will serve up three more entertaining matches.
Mpopoma Sports Academy will host Sheasham Gweru Queens at Bulawayo Chiefs Village, Platinum Royals will take on Conduit Soccer Academy at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, and Maningi Youth Soccer Academy will entertain Kwekwe United Queens at The Heart Stadium in Harare.
