CHAMPIONS Black Rhinos Queens consolidated their position at the summit of the Marange Women's Soccer league when they thrashed Faith Drive but face a tricky tie today against Mufakose Queens at 2 Brigade. The women's soccer league, which was on a three-week break, resumed at the weekend and teams have a congested fixture programme with mid-week and weekend matches until the curtain comes down the first week of December.

The army side have a one-point lead over rivals Mufakose Queens and the team which will win today will have a big boost in the remaining four games.

However, the pacesetters have a hectic programe as they will travel to Bulawayo for a tie against third-placed Inline Academy on Saturday before hosting fourth-placed New Orleans next weekend. Mufakose Queens also still have a tricky away match against New Orleans and a clash against unpredictable Cyclone Stars.

Black Rhinos coach Thomas Chinyan'anya said the race was still wide open and they have to work hard if they are to retain the title.

"We are on top but we have to put maximum effort and we even trained today (yesterday). We had a long lay off and it sort of affected our rhythm but by the time we play our second game the team should be coming up again.

Mufakose Queens coach Langton Giwa said they want to upset the log leaders.

Mufakose beat Flame Lily 2-0 at the weekend with goals from Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri and Mitchel Vambe.

"We are preparing for the match and started training today. We want to win the match and if they beat us they will open a four-point lead over us.

"We also have pressure because as a coach I am also focusing on the Zone Six Games in Zambia and most of the Under-20 players are at Mufakose.

"The team will leave before the league ends so it is really taxing for us," said Giwa.

Results

Cyclone 2, Inline Soccer Academy 4; Mufakose 2, Flame Lily Queens 0; Chipembere 0, Conduit Soccer Academy 1; New Orleans 9, Masvingo Queens 1; Faith Drive 1, Black Rhinos Queens 7.