By Sheldon Hakata and
Golden Guvamatanga

FOOTBALL focus returns to the 2018 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) with the spotlight once again firmly on fading giants Dynamos FC’s bruising fight against relegation.
DeMbare find themselves hanging precariously just two points above relegation, with only seven matches before the season ends.
Zimbabwe’s most popular team, Dynamos, are sliding into the red.
They are just two points shy of relegation, entering a difficult final phase of the seven matches that will shape their destiny.
The last few games can provide evidence that it can be a reality for the unthinkable to happen — Dynamos in the Northern Region Division One League.
Dynamos’ form has seen them win just one match in their last five.
They face a defining run in their last seven matches against Black Rhinos, Triangle and Mutare City, all at home.
Dynamos have an outstanding derby against CAPS United at home.
Their three away matches will be against championship chasing FC Platinum, ever-improving Herentals FC and Mutare City.
The former champions got a temporary reprieve when they put up yet another uninspiring display during their 1-0 victory over struggling Bulawayo Chiefs on Sunday in the Chibuku Super Cup first round.
Their tie against log leaders FC Platinum on Sunday at Mandava Stadium provides a stern test of their pedigree.
It is character that has been lacking in this Dynamos side.
Previously, the Harare giants have been known to draw on the strength of their character to win matches.
Even their fans, for long their anchor, seem to have deserted them in their time of need.
FC Platinum go into the match a wounded lion, having been booted out of the Chibuku Super Cup by Chapungu.
On Saturday, army side Black Rhinos will be taking aim at Triangle FC in a match both sides will be hoping to collect maximum points from.
Black Rhinos and Triangle have been playing well and have enjoyed stellar campaigns so far this this season.
The ‘Shuga Shuga Boys’ (Triangle) are aiming for a top four finish, while ‘Chauya Chipembere’ (Black Rhinos) sit comfortably in the middle of the log.
Harare City will take on Chicken Inn in what promises to be a nail-biting encounter as both teams have exhibited some of the finest football in the premiership this season.
The match will be played at Rufaro Stadium tomorrow.
The Gamecocks (Chicken Inn) are virtually out of the title race, but sit on third position, with their focus firmly on the forthcoming season.
They have a decent squad and have been steadily building on that foundation.
In Mark Harrison, Harare City have one of the best footballing brains in the PSL and in a league where teams huff and puff, he has come up with a strategy to break down his opponents with ease and poise.
In another encounter tomorrow, Bulawayo City FC will lock horns with inconsistent Ngezi Platinum, with the visitors expected to collect maximum points from their struggling opponents.
Bulawayo City are all but relegated, having spent the better part of the season anchoring the log.
The poster fixture of the weekend sees forgotten giants CAPS United playing host to the black and white army, Highlanders, at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
This is a fixture in which form counts for nothing as the bragging rights are enough inspiration for the two giants.
Both teams have endured a season to forget, with inconsistency blighting their hefty statures against the evolving trio of FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum and Chicken Inn.
These three teams have loosened the long-held stranglehold of Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United through their vibrant ownership structures and funding.
On Sunday, it will be more about pride and honour as the two teams have failed to convince their supporters and neutrals alike.
Chapungu FC will host Shabanie Mine at Ascot Stadium in another relegation battle.
Both teams have been blowing hot and cold with boardroom squabbles denying Shabanie Mine progress this season.
The exciting Herentals will be looking to build on their superb campaign when they tackle relegation-threatened Mutare City Rovers at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
The Students, as Herentals are known, have surprised all and sundry with their fine displays in the field of play this season.
In other encounters, Bulawayo Chiefs will host fellow strugglers Nichrut while Yadah FC and ZPC Kariba complete this round of fixtures on Monday.
Fixtures
Saturday
Black Rhinos FC vs Triangle United FC – National Sports Stadium.
Harare City FC vs Chicken Inn FC – Rufaro Stadium.
FC Platinum vs Dynamos FC – Mandava Stadium.
Bulawayo City FC vs Ngezi Platinum Stars FC – Barbourfields Stadium.
Sunday
CAPS United FC vs Highlanders FC – National Sports Stadium.
Chapungu FC vs Shabanie Mine FC – Ascot Stadium.
Herentals FC vs Mutare City Rovers – FC Rufaro Stadium.
Bulawayo Chiefs FC vs Nichrut FC – Luveve Stadium.
Monday
Yadah FC vs ZPC Kariba FC – Rufaro Stadium.
All matches kick-off at 3pm.