THE Premier Soccer League (PSL)’s final day is set for a dramatic conclusion this Sunday, with the relegation dogfight involving the whole bottom half clubs and featuring a high-stakes, winner-take-all clash between Bikita Minerals and Manica Diamonds at Sakubva Stadium.
At the heart of the drama is Bikita Minerals’ coach, Wilson Mutekede, who is looking to mastermind a second consecutive great escape after saving the club from the drop on the last day of last season.
Currently positioned 15th with 37 points and the league’s worst goal difference (-12), the Bikita-based side know their assignment is simple yet daunting.
They need nothing short of a victory to reach the magical 40-point tally and secure their top-flight status.
A draw (38 points) will not be enough to save them.
Mutekede, the former Zifa technical adviser, remains defiant despite the high pressure.
“We are not going to be relegated, I’m sure about that,” Mutekede vowed.
“I’m confident about my boys’ abilities. We won’t throw it away just like that, no.”
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Manica Diamonds, also on 37 points, have a slightly easier path to safety.
Thanks to a superior goal difference, a draw will be sufficient for them to beat the drop zone.
However, Bikita’s preparations have been severely hampered.
A lengthy injury list has ruled out key personnel, including Shelton Moyo, Philip Magweva, Tadiwa Taedza and Tinaye Tsumba.
Furthermore, Chelsea Nyakope is ineligible to face his parent club, while Ishmael Muroiwa is a major doubt due to illness.
“The list of absentees is very long, but I’m confident that those available will do the job,” Mutekede said.
“We have tried to develop a group of youngsters based on a system as opposed to individualism, so I'm sure those available will give a fight.”
He expects a tough battle from Manica Diamonds, citing their impressive recent form, which includes a draw against Highlanders at Barbourfields.
“They have been playing well, of late.
“If you check the draw that they got away to Highlanders, it speaks volumes what they are capable of doing and their performance.
“Even in their loss against Caps United, it was also a very close game so we are taking them very seriously because getting a draw against Highlanders at Barbourfields, in that kind of environment, means they have got a good squad.”
And if the on-field drama wasn’t enough, the whole relegation battle is threatened by a bizarre boardroom soap opera.
The PSL clubs’ attempt on Tuesday to unilaterally suspend relegation, only for the decision to be swiftly overturned by Zifa, has injected needless chaos into the final countdown.
Mutekede, however, is demanding an icy focus from his players.
“I have told the boys to completely ignore whatever is happening.
“We are focussed on preparing for the big match.”
The tension won’t be confined to Sakubva.
The entire bottom half of the table is a minefield, with multiple simultaneous clashes determining destinies.
The clash between Triangle against Green Fuel is another direct survival battle.
It’s a savage duel where 16th-placed Green Fuel must win, while Triangle seeks a point to avoid the abyss.
City rivals Highlanders and Chicken Inn, both on 38 points, only need to draw their match to breathe easy.
Thirteenth-placed Dynamos are still in the relegation frame.
On 38 points, a loss against FC Platinum could still see them dragged into the nightmare scenario, while a draw should guarantee them safety.
But for Yadah, the “Miracle Boys”, the clock has almost run out.
Second-from-bottom on a meagre 35 points, even a win against Simba Bhora might not save them.
For them, it’s not a miracle they need, it’s a divine intervention.
The stage is set for a truly unforgettable and potentially devastating Sunday.
Mutekede is ready for the fight, with Bikita Minerals’ destiny hanging by the thread of a single, required victory.
