Bruce Chikuni
It will likely be more of a spiritual battle when Simba Bhora welcome Herentals at Baobab tomorrow.
The Students have Christian Nyatondo, who is a pastor at True Believers Faith Ministry.
And, the hosts have Henry Manatsa, who also knows the words to use at the pulpit at his church.
Interestingly, these two were playing in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League last season.
Manatsa was Golden Eagles’ skipper up until mid-season when he joined the miners.
Nyatondo is a certified pastor, but Manatsa is still battling to complete his studies at Bible school.
Herentals are just three points off fourth-placed Highlanders and coach, Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva, has declared that finishing in the Top 4 remains a primary concern.
Simba Bhora are not safe yet as they can still be swept away by the relegation waters.
They are five points above the red zone with just five games remaining for this campaign to end.
Nyatondo is aware of the task at hand and he said they are motivated to complete a double over tomorrow’s opponents.
“We are ever motivated to collect maximum points, and Simba Bhora is a team that gives us many memories.
“I’m still a junior pastor, and I’m also passionate about football even though sometimes it clashes with our church programmes.
“But, senior pastors suggested that I take charge of the mid-week proceedings so that I don’t lose much when I’m not available on Sundays,” said Nyatondo.