KATIMA MULILO – The Zambezi Regional Second Division Football League is set to be in the spotlight this weekend as the season approaches its climax, with just nine games left. The title race remains wide open, with just five points separating the top two teams.

This weekend, the league will head into round 14 and 15, with some teams set to honour their outstanding round 13 match-ups on Saturday and Sunday at the Katima Mulilo stadium.

The spotlight of the weekend will be on the closest title challengers, Black Hawks and Bush Bucks. Current league leaders Black Hawks will battle mid-table Green Dangers on Saturday in a bid to secure three points and maintain their unbeaten run. Hawks’ coach Hartley Tiyebulyo told Nampa on Wednesday that they cannot afford to lose any games if they are to claim the title.

Elsewhere, Bush Bucks will host relegation-threatened Imore FC, an opponent faced with demotion, but who will be out for blood as well. A win for Bucks will keep Black Hawks at bay, while Imore’s victory will give them enough fighting spirit in their next encounters.

Imore FC will then encounter Sahara FC in a battle for relegation on Sunday. Despite trailing in third position with 11 points below the league leaders, Namib Chiefs have likewise thrown their name into the mix for the title race. They will thus head into the weekend with a winning mentality when they lock horns against Green Eagles on Sunday.

Chiefs’ gaffer Duncan Sichoni said the team lost most of its players to the Namibian Defence Force recruitment exercise, but remains confident in his current squad.

“We lost most players, but we will use what we have, notably the Under-20 regional squad, as we seek to challenge for the title,” he stated.

The weekend will also see Rocano King Rangers going up against Sahara FC, with Space Age taking on Blue Chiefs on Saturday.

On Sunday, Oryza Sativa will battle Blue Chiefs, while Black Buffaloes will challenge Bright Stars. -Nampa