BANKET – OMNIA’S one-year season in the North Region Division One
football ended a month before the 2023 Ruyamuro sponsored league season
when they were relegated, following consecutive defeats.
The fertiliser manufacturers tried their best to fight relegation but failed to
reach their goal.
Their demise was not a complete surprise, given that the Banket-based
team's struggle for form in a campaign they started as a weak racehorse out
the gates when they could not win three of their first six games.
They followed that with several draws on the trot‚ which was the start of their
undoing in the Northern Region Division One League.
The underdogs, who were promoted last season after becoming Zifa
Mashonaland West Division Two (A) champions, managed to win eight
games, drew nine, registered 17 defeats and secured 36 points.
The team had been struggling for promotion into top flight soccer, during their
time in Division Two. It spent five consecutive seasons finishing on second
position while the league promotes one team only.
After their call was answered they were awarded the opportunity but it seems
their motivational souls and the flesh was torn apart.
Omnia, Concession and ZRP Harare were chopped out a month before the
season ended. The three teams became punching bags of fellow clubs, who
were taking advantage of their weakness to achieve sets targets
Omnia and ZRP Harare were left with no hope even if they could have won
their last games because they could not give much value to their clubs.
Concession was struck off the row for failing to meet soccer league statutes.
Other teams like Shamva Mine and Come Again are waiting for the Premier
League outcome on how many teams are to be relegated. If the number of
teams to be relegated is high towards Northern Region side, the two clubs will
also see fire.
Meanwhile, in Division Two, the Chinhoyi Stars versus Mhangura last match
of the season will determine which team will be promoted from Division Two
(A).
Two (B), which was split into two, will have play-offs between Kadoma City
and Norton Community to determine the best team to be promoted.
