By Kudakwashe Kutinyo
It is back to Division One for Chipangano next season ending it’s flirtation with the big boys on the last day.
The dreaded axe finally landed on Hwange FC after several attempts to avoid relegation and stay in the Castle Lager Premier League following a poor start to the season.
Hwange FC started on a bad note this season suffering countless defeats before reshuffling its coaching department mid season in which they introduced seasoned headcoach Rodwell Dhlakama who raised their hopes.
The gaffer brought in a new lease of life to the team turning Hwange Colliery stadium into a fortress that saw many big teams fall as Hwange played entertaining football.
Chipangano die hard fans witnessed their team frustrating a title chasing pack which included Platinum FC, Ngezi Platinum, Highlanders, Caps United.
With the quest to avoid relegation and remain in the topflight league next season Hwange FC would salvage points every match day both home and away.
Unfortunately their quest for survival had to be decided on the last day away from home against another relegation candidate Bikita Minerals.
Harsh reality struck when Bikita Minerals found the back of the net twice to cement their position and live to see another Castle Lager Premier league season sending Hwange back to division one.
Elsewhere Bulawayo Chiefs only needed a draw to survive relegation however it proved a huge task against against Manica Diamonds who have become regular top four finishers.
The Twitter boys led against Manica Diamonds but failed to dictate the pace of the game as the home team quickly overturned the deficit emerging victorious with a 2-1 win.
Hwange will next season ply its trade in the Southern Region Division One joining already relegated Arenel Movers and Bulawayo Chiefs who surprised many football fans by falling down the pecking order.
In a heart breaking scenario three of the four relegated teams will join the Southern region division one league. The league has already been predicted to be tough next season.
Despite losing Hwange FC to division one, die hard fans will still get a chance to support top flight football as ZPC Hwange was recently promoted into the castle lager premier league.
Chipangano have unfortunately earned a reputation as relegation regulars. This disappointing record is a far cry from what is expected of a team with Hwange’s rich history and loyal fan base. As one of the oldest and most storied teams in Zimbabwean football, Hwange’s struggles have become a recurring theme, leaving their dedicated supporters disillusioned and eager for a turnaround.
New Ziana
