By Tatiana Mhararira
The Eastern Region Soccer League is heating up as the top three teams FC Hunters, Tenax FC and a resurgent third place contender Masvingo United FC continue to vie for supremacy.
With teams having covered almost half of the season and the tension on the pitch is palpable with the mid-season break drawing closer from June 30-July 18, 2025.
Currently, FC Hunters known as the Clever Boys in football circles are locked in a fierce battle for the top spot with only a difference of one point. As of last weekend match day 14, FC Hunters reclaimed their first position with a narrow victory having 32 points, now sitting just one point ahead of Tenax FC who has been relentless in their pursuit and now has 31 points.
The two top teams exchanged the lead twice this season so far firstly when FC Hunters lost 3 points to Masvingo United FC with a goal to nil in the last minute at Mucheke Stadium, Tenax moved to the top but lost the position after their lose to Hunters FC.
Speaking to TellZim News Tenax FC Vice Secretary General responsible for Media Liaison and Publicity David Marufu said they were not happy with losing the three points to FC Hunters.
“It was unfortunate that we lost our first 3 points n to make matters worse at-home. It was just a mere blunder which made our day dark. However, it happens in football and we have to accept both positive and negative outcomes, though our top priority will be win and win throughout. Definitely, it wasn’t our day but we learnt from that game,” said Marufu.
Marufu said as the ERSL continue to blow hot wind they aim to keep their focus on the Premier Soccer League (PSL) ticket which the top three teams are fighting for.
“Our focus is now on our next game away against Masvingo United which is going to be a tough match for us. But as our motto speaks we are the Lion and fighting is in our DNA.
“Like in any other competition, top competing teams will be a tooth biting affair. As such matches pitting Tenax, FC Hunters and Masvingo United FC are the hottest in the league and surprises are expected in any game. We take each match as a new challenge and we are sure of our objective this season, no matter what, PSL is our end goal,” said Marufu.
FC Hunters Team Manager, Liberty Mudandaureni said the team was happy with their win over the weekend and returned to the top of the log.
“We are happy to be back at the top of the table after outclassing our rivals Tenax with a 1-nil victory at Mutare Showgrounds. We had a good game and we scored a goal in the early minutes.
“We will not rest until the battle is over. As we approach our next game we are going to give it our all because football is the same. As the battle for PSL intensifies we promise our fans that we are going to collect maximum points in every game since we want the PSL promotion just like all our rivals,” said Mudandaureni.
While the focus remains on the top two, the third-place team Una Una is not to be overlooked. With just three points separating them from the log leaders, they are self-confident to capitalize on any slip-ups from the leaders since they have one lose and a game in hand. Their recent form has seen them climb the standings, making the final stretch of the season even more interesting and they are to face Tenax FC in their next fixture second placed against third placed.
In next round of fixtures FC Hunters will face Deportivo La Murambinda FC at Rudhaka stadium, while Tenax FC is scheduled to play against Masvingo United FC with 29 points at Mucheke stadium that could potentially upset the current log standings as the home team never recorded any lose at their home ground.
As the ERSL approaches mid-season break, the battle for supremacy between FC Hunters, Tenax FC and Una Una exemplifies the competitive spirit of the league. With only one point separating the top two teams, every match could see the team losing points and position.
