Stakes high, as Pacific Storm Eastern Region reaches week 21
Top of the table tested as fixture changes hit Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League Week 21
Matchday 21 of the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League kicks off tomorrow, and with the log still tight at the top and the relegation fight heating up, every point matters.
The weekend will however look a little different after the league announced changes due to the non-availability of Mucheke Stadium for the Heroes and Defence Forces Games.
League leaders Yadah FC on 43 points travel to Uhera on Sunday to face Deportivo La Murambinda FC who sit 6th on 34 points.
Yadah edged Tenax 1-0 in Week 20 to stay top, and will be wary of a Deportivo side that can hurt teams on the counter.
A win keeps Yadah in control, but any slip opens the door for those chasing.
That chasing pack is led by Africa Mineral Ventures FC on 39 points.
They face a tough away trip to Renco Mine FC at Maramba on Saturday.
Renco are 8th on 26 points and beat Mutare City 2-1 last week, so they come in with confidence.
Africa Mineral were held 0-0 by Manica Diamonds U19 in Week 20 and will need goals to keep pace with Yadah.
Third and fourth are separated by goal difference only.
Grand Legacy FC on 38 points have a big test away to Tenax CS FC, also on 38 points.
The fixture was originally set for Friday but has now been moved to Saturday, 8 August at Mutare Boys High, 15:00.
Both teams lost in Week 20, Grand Legacy beat GreenFuel 2-0 while Tenax went down 1-0 to Yadah, so expect a response.
Green Fuel FC are 5th on 34 points and host Great Zimbabwe University FC at Green Fuel Arena on Saturday. GZU are 14th and drew 2-2 with Masvingo last week. They will be looking to pull further away from danger.
In Bikita, Bikita Chida Athletic Club will look to make it four wins in a row when they host Mutare City Rovers FC at Lithium Stadium on Sunday, 15:00.
Chida are 13th on 20 points after beating Chivhu 2-0 away in Week 20.
Mutare City are 10th on 23 points but lost 2-1 to Renco last week.
Bikita Minerals FC are on bye this week after their 2-1 win over Buffaloes moved them to 7th on 33 points.
The bottom half also has key games, Manica Diamonds U19 FC host Four Lions FC on Friday at Chisamba.
Four Lions are 18th on 10 points and still searching for a first win.
Power FC are bottom on 9 points and return from their bye to host Destiny Stars FC at Gaths Mine on Sunday.
Due to the stadium clash, two other fixtures have been rescheduled. Masvingo United FC vs Chivhu FC will now be played on Wednesday, 12 August, and FC Wangu Mazodze vs Buffaloes FC has been moved to Thursday, 13 August.
The league has asked all clubs and officials to take note and plan accordingly.
With the top 5 separated by just 9 points and the bottom 3 desperate for results, Week 21 could shift the table again. Expect tight games, and expect teams to make the most of home advantage.
