Relegation fighters face off

HWANGE coach Bigboy Mawiwi has branded their Premiership match against fellow relegation f ighters Shabanie Mine at Maglas tomorrow as a Cup final.

The mining teams are involved in a fierce battle for survival with the season now approaching the finishing line.

Mawiwi yesterday said Hwange, who have now gone five games unbeaten, need maximum points to enhance their chances of playing Premiership football again next year.

“This is going to be more of a Cup final because at the end of the day it’s either us sinking or them going down,’’ he said.

“So, we are ready for the game and it looks like it’s going to be a tough assignment for us because Shabanie are playing well at home.

“It’s been difficult for us but the good thing is we are beginning to see some good signs.

“That win against a team like Highlanders was a very good result because it boosts confidence but then my worry is there was a break in-between.

“Usually, when a team picks form and there is a break, there is a chance that the stoppage might disturb the rhythm. But I pray it won’t happen to us.’’

Hwange beefed up their squad with a number of seasoned players like Nathan Ziwini, Elvis Meleka, Crybert Muvuti, Crispen Dickson and teenage sensation Delic Murimba.

Harare City, who are still fresh from winning the Chibuku Super Cup, will host Black Rhinos at Rufaro tomorrow.

It also promises to be a dog-eat-dog affair as Rhinos are also fighting for their safety on 39 points.

Bulawayo City have to fight for their lives against title aspirants Dynamos at Barbourfields while Yadah have a date against giants CAPS United at the National Sports Stadium.

FIXTURES Tomorrow

Bulawayo City v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum v Chicken Inn (Baobab), ZPC Kariba v Triangle (Nyamhunga), Harare City v Black Rhinos (Rufaro), Chapungu v Bantu Rovers (Ascot), Tsholotsho v FC Platinum (Luveve), CAPS United v Yadah ( NSS), Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas)

Thursday

Highlanders v How Mine (Barbourfields)

Brooklyn at 18 months,’’ Beckham told the media.

“Having him out here today was a big decision, but I was very proud. It is difficult for him to get on my shoulders. Thankfully the manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) thought it was something we should do.” BRAZILIAN RONALDO DAZZLES IN MATCH

FEATURING FORMULA ONE ACE In March 2001, Brazilian legendary striker Ronaldo scored five goals in a charity match which also featured former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher before 40 000 fans at the Maracana.

Schumacher used the match to hone his fitness for the Brazilian Grand Prix and the German superstar was guilty of wasting a number of good chances in the game before scoring for the sport.

“It was great fun playing alongside Schumacher,” Ronaldo said. “He by no means looked out of place. We even worked on some neat onetwos together.”

The match was organised by TV network Rede Globo and UNICEF to help underprivileged children in Brazil as part of the Hope for Children programme.