HARARE - Zimbabwean football fans will seek some solace from the Castle Premiership, which resumes this weekend following the disastrous performance by the national side.
The Warriors sunk to a new low when they bowed out of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the preliminary first round stage last Sunday at the hands of Tanzania.
Zimbabwe were held to a 2-2 draw by the Taifa Stars at the National Sports Stadium and after having lost the first leg 1-0 in Dar es Salaam, it was all over for the Warriors.
The majority of Zimbabweans are still angry at that outcome, with many baying for Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president Cuthbert Dube and coach Ian Gorowa’s blood.
Even the players have not been spared in the brutal criticism that has occupied most kombis and beer halls across the country.
However, football lovers can divert their attention away from the Warriors’ failures when the league action recommences tomorrow with a clash between Bantu Rovers and high-flying ZPC Kariba at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo.
Fifth-placed ZPC go into this match hoping to return to winning ways after three consecutive draws.
Although Saul Chaminuka’s men are yet to taste defeat in their debut season in the top-flight league, draws against How Mine, Black Rhinos and Highlanders have seen them drop on the log standings.
The Zimbabwe Power Company-owned side now has 15 points from nine matches and trail log leaders Highlanders by four points.
Rovers come into Friday’s match following a 1-0 defeat to CAPS United two weeks ago and need maximum points at all costs.
Tshintsha Guluva sit just one place above the relegation zone in 12th place with nine points from the same number of games.
Methembe Ndlovu’s men have had an inconsistent start to their return to the top-flight and will depend on their home form to stay away from the drop zone.
On Saturday, second-placed How Mine have a chance to go top of the log if they beat struggling Harare City in Bulawayo.
The gold miners have 18 points and trail Bosso by a single point. With Highlanders in action 24 hours later, Chikuripati can go top if they beat second from bottom City.
Although the Sunshine Boys go into this clash only a point off bottom place, they will not be push overs.
City picked up their second win of the season with a 3-1 win over Black Rhinos in their last outing.
Also playing on Saturday is former champions CAPS United, who travel to Gweru to take on Chapungu.
United will be looking forward to get their first win on the road this season following a string of poor results away from the capital.
Makepekepe have already lost all three matches they have played outside Harare and if that trend continues they will lose touching distant with the leading pack.
On Sunday, log leaders Highlanders will host FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium in the hope to extend their lead at the top of the standings.
On the same day, defending champions Dynamos will have to contend with Triangle at the National Sports Stadium.
Friday: Bantu Rovers v ZPC Kariba.
Saturday: How Mine v Harare City, Chapungu v CAPS United, Black Rhinos v Buffaloes, Chiredzi v Hwange.
Sunday: Highlanders v Platinum, Dynamos v Triangle, Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn.