Premiership beckons for Bikita Minerals
SINOMINE (Hong Kong) Rare Metals Resources-bankrolled outfit, Bikita Minerals FC have the Eastern Region Division One Soccer League title destiny firmly tucked in their hands, and will only need to collect maximum points in the remaining two rounds of matches to clinch the coveted Premiership promotion that comes with winning the second tier regional title.
Bikita Mineral dislodged Masvingo-based WanguMazodze from the top, thanks to the lithium miners’ 1-0 win away to Rusitu Tigers in Chimanimani to assume top spot for the first time this season.
This result, coupled with FC WanguMazodze’s 2-0 drubbing at the hands of Mutare prison wardens, Tenax FC, meant Bikita Minerals FC surge to the summit of the table.
There are two matches remaining in the Eastern Region Soccer League and Bikita Minerals FC, who are now one point ahead of FCWanguMazodze, will host Midway in the next match before concluding the season with a tricky away fixture to unpredictable Grayham FC in Ruwa.
FC WanguMazodze play against Masvingo United in their next assignment which is potentially explosive, given the animosity between the two clubs before ending the season with an away assignment to Renco Mine FC.
The other championship chasing outfit, Tenax FC will entertain homeboys, Manica Juniors before closing the season with a clash against JM Busha FC.
But who exactly are Bikita Minerals? Bikita Minerals FC was formed in 2015 when it was participating in social games, but later joined Masvingo Division Two
League the following year.
The club joined the Eastern Region Division One League in 2017, back then under head coach, John Phiri and ended the season on Position 13 on the log standings.
In 2018, the ambitious outfit ended the season on Position Four, before ending the 2019 season in fifth position.
Bikita Minerals FC spokesperson, Collin Nikisi said: “Our squad is full of potential. Our squad is full of desire. Throughout the season, we have kept our identity and we are really happy with that. That comes up from the training, from the meetings, from the quality of players — but especially their hunger, their desire.”
The Bikita Minerals spokesperson admitted that even though they will be facing teams that are not in the title race matrix, the remaining two matches are not easy at all.
“All the remaining games are really tough and to be in control of our destiny, we need to win against Midway and Grayham,”
said Nikisi.
He said winning the league championship will be a bonus for the team.
Nikisi commended the company’s leadership for supporting the club.
“At the beginning of the season, we told the boys that we wanted to compete and finish in the top three. Winning the league will be a bonus as the objective was gunning for promotion in the fifth year.
“It has been a good season and now the fairytale story must be completed with us gaining promotion into the Premier League. We are in control of our destiny, but only hard work, sacrifices and focus will get us there.
“The Bikita management led by our managing director, Zhenua Wang and club executive chairman, Mike Mushava have been very supportive,” he said.
Arenel Movers from Southern Region became the first team to seal promotion into the Premier Soccer League from the four regional leagues.
Arenel FC drew 1-1 against Mainline to reach the 80-point mark, while ZPC Hwange failed to win against Ajax Hotspurs drawing 1-1 which means ZPC Hwange can no longer catch up with Arenel FC.
It is game on in the Northern Region Soccer League where Chegutu Pirates moved to within four points of log leaders, Black Mambas after a 2-0 win at home against Come Again.
In the Central Region Soccer League, TelOne have put one hand onto the championship trophy and may pop the champagne bottles should they beat Shabanie Mine at Ascot Stadium this weekend and second placed Tongogara lose away to Dulibadzimu.