By Tatiana Mhararira
The Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) is intensifying as top contenders FC Hunters, Masvingo United FC, and the resurgent Tenax FC vie for dominance. With the league nearing completion, the competition is fierce, and the few remaining games are set to heighten the tension.
Currently, FC Hunters, known as the Clever Boys, is leading with 54 points, locked in a fierce battle with Masvingo United FC for the top spot, with goal differences (gd) of 33 and 24, respectively. They sit just 6 points ahead of Tenax FC in third place with 48 points.
FC Hunters exchanged the lead with Tenax FC twice this season, notably when they lost three points to Masvingo United FC with a last-minute goal early in the season.
“FC Hunters Team Manager, Liberty Mudandaureni, said despite their losses, they were fighting for Premier Soccer League promotion in Marondera. “We as FC Hunters are looking forward to push for PSL promotion despite losing to Rusitu Tigers on match day 23.
“We have everything under control. Morale in camp is all we got. As a Marondera-based team, we promised our supporters Premier Soccer League victory this season, so if we need something, we have to work for it. Thus, our focus is on claiming the ticket to the top flight,” said Mudandaureni.
Masvingo United FC Spokesperson, Omen Mafa, said he was happy with the team’s performance and they hoped for the best, taking every game as a final match.
“We are happy as a club with our current performance both away and at home. We are confident we are on the right path to PSL. Our target is to win all our remaining games. We are not banking on any other team to do the job for us. We have to fight our own war. We are now taking the fight to Tongogara United, which we are hosting this weekend. We respect them as a club, but we are going to put up a good fight,” said Mafa.
In an interview with TellZim News, Tenax FC Vice Secretary General responsible for Media Liaison and Publicity, David Marufu, said his team had a goal of winning the PSL promotion despite setbacks in previous games.
“As we have set our goals at the beginning of the season, we want to clinch the PSL ticket, although as of late, our form in the past games starting from two games before the team went for SADC games in Namibia and after that, our form was not as good as it is supposed to be. However, we managed to secure a position in the top three with our win from the rescheduled game. We are still competing, considering the difference between our team and FC Hunters, the current log leaders.
“We want to be crowned the ERSL champions as Tenax FC is a big brand and a force to reckon within the league. We need to pull up our socks because the competition between the top three teams is very stiff. We have to make sure we win the remaining games and collect maximum points,” said Marufu.
Speaking to TellZim News, sports analyst Misheck Denhere said every game involving the top three teams was of interest, and teams were supposed to make use of every opportunity to win the ERSL championship.
“The league has reached exciting moments where every game involving FC Hunters, Tenax CS FC, and Masvingo United is a decider. Both teams have equal chances of being promoted. FC Hunters and Tenax have tough assignments in their last games; they are to play Masvingo United as well as Buffaloes and Mutare City, who have slight chances of being promoted given that the top three lost in their next three games.
“If Tenax CS wins their game in hand, both teams will be leveled if they avoid losing any points. Masvingo United are doing very well, winning their last game while FC Hunters won as well. Masvingo United have a date with FC Hunters away and Tenax CS FC at home; these matches are title deciders,” said Denhere.
Denhere added that the winner of the ERSL would be known on the last day of the league, as all teams were working hard and fighting for promotion, but FC Hunters had high chances of winning the championship.
“Currently, FC Hunters are on top with a fine goal difference; however, Masvingo United tried to reduce the difference when they played against St Paul’s Musami, who are struggling to resurface from the relegation waters. From the analysis, the title will be decided on the last match of the season. FC Hunters have a better chance, having experienced senior players like Steven Makatuka, Ngandu Mangala, and Cabby Kamhapa. They only need to be united and stay focused,” said Denhere.
While the focus is on the top teams, third-placed Tenax FC is not to be overlooked. With just 6 points separating them from the log leaders, they are also self-confident and ready to capitalize on any slip-ups from the leaders, especially since they have a game in hand.
In the next round of fixtures, FC Hunters will face Mutare City Rovers, while Masvingo United FC is scheduled to play against Tongogara United FC at Mucheke Stadium. These matches could potentially upset the log standings as the teams fight for PSL promotion.
The championship competition is currently a two-horse race between the Clever Boys and Una Una, exemplifying the competitive spirit of the league. With a small goal difference separating the top two teams, every match could see them losing points and position, making the race to be crowned ERSL champions even more thrilling.
