Harare City, Rhinos in high-stakes title decider as FIVE teams battle to dodge the Division 2 chop on thrilling final day
By Lloyd Mwale in Kadoma.
IT IS going to be absolute mayhem, high-voltage drama, and nerves of steel on the final day of the 2026 MCM Northern Region Soccer Division One League!
The stage is set for a blockbuster finish as the battle for the ultimate prize — the sole ticket to the 2027 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League — comes down to a two-horse race, while a dog-eat-dog survival battle takes center stage at the bottom of the table.
Log leaders Harare City (80 points) hold their destiny in their own hands, but second-placed Black Rhinos (79 points) are breathing down their necks, waiting to pounce on any late slip-up.
At the other end of the log, five clubs — Karoi United, Marere, Banket United, Shamva Mine, and Rangers — are walking a tightrope. Three of them will join already-relegated Batanai down into the harsh realities of the provincial ZIFA Division 2 leagues.
TITLE RACE: CALLIES VS CHIKANGWE
Harare City are just 90 minutes away from a grand return to top-flight football. Playing in front of their home supporters at Callies against mid-table Jumbo, the Sunshine Boys need nothing short of a victory to lock up the championship.
On paper, City are expected to steamroll past the miners. But in Division One, taking anything for granted on the final day is a dangerous game.
Over at Chikangwe Stadium in Karoi, Black Rhinos will be playing with one eye on Callies. The army side must beat Karoi United and pray that Jumbo pull off a shocker against Harare City. If City stumble and Chauya Chipembere win, Rhinos will be crowned champions in dramatic fashion.
RELEGATION: DOG-EAT-DOG AT THE BOTTOM
While the top two fight for glory, it is complete chaos in the relegation zone.
Sitting precariously on 44 points, Karoi face an uphill task. They host a desperate Black Rhinos side that needs all three points for title glory. A loss for Karoi could condemn them straight into the ZIFA Mashonaland West Division 2 league.
The Sanyati-based Marere on 43 points travel to Harare to face High Range. Nothing less than an outright victory will guarantee their safety in the MCM Northern Region Division One League.
Banket Utd,armed with home advantage against Zambezi Gas, knows that a win at home consolidates their survival without having to rely on mathematics.
Shamva Mine & Rangers tied on 41 points, both sides are on red alert. They need maximum points from their respective fixtures while hoping Banket, Marere, or Karoi slip up.
Will Harare City complete the job at home, or will Black Rhinos pull off a miraculous final-day heist? And which team will face the heartbreak of the Division 2 drop?
It’s all on the line this weekend!
