HARARE - Potentially explosive encounters are on the cards this weekend in the Southern Region Division One with teams placed in the top four up against each other.

Log leaders Bantu Rovers travel to Hwange for a date with third-placed ZPC Hwange while fourth placed New West will host second-placed How Mine at Luveve.

These mouth watering clashes are likely to separate the champions from the pretenders in this hotly-contested league, which has seen the leadership position constantly changing hands.

Bantu enjoy a four point lead with a game in hand over ZPC and will be praying that the experienced duo of Gilbert Banda and Abraham Mbaiwa will recover on time for Saturday’s crucial encounter.

Banda and Mubaiwa picked up injuries at training while striker Brian Mpala will miss the game due to sickness.

Last weekend’s biggest winners, Tsholotsho, visit Hwange for a mid-table battle against Power Cosmos in the lone Sunday fixture.

The Lizwe Sweswe-coached Tsholotsho walloped Projects 5-1 last week and will be out to maintain that momentum to secure their stay in the league.

“We will be seeking to come away with a positive result from Hwange because our aim is to finish our debut season in a respectable position,” Sweswe said.

Tsholotsho sit in position 11 on the log with 31 points while Cosmos are perched a rung below on 29 points.

FIXTURES

Saturday: Zimbabwe Saints v Ntabazinduna (Zim Saints), ZPC Hwange v Bantu Rovers (Hwange), New West v How Mine (Luveve), Projects v Rufaro Rovers (Hwange),

Makhandeni Pirates v Black Boots (Raylton), Hwange Juniors v Sizani Fruits (Hwange), Mpumalanga v Byo Chiefs (Mpumalanga).

Sunday: Power Cosmos v Tsholotsho.