DEFENDING champions, Simba Bhora, are proving they have what it takes to retain the league title after yet another fruitful weekend, which saw the Shamva-based side maintain pole position.
In the face of adversity, as league debutants Scottland breathe down their necks, Simba Bhora showed their true pedigree after outclassing ambitious new boys, MWOS, in their backyard.
MWOS, who sailed at the top of the log in the first half of the season, seems to be running out of steam, with the one-nil defeat by Simba in Norton confirming that winning the league title is better said than done.
While fellow league debutants Scottland are piling on the pressure after the Mabvuku-based side struck a rich vein of form, winning six league matches on the trot, reigning champions Simba are proving with each passing week that they are the real deal.
Walking away with three points from Ngoni Stadium confirmed that Simba are the team to beat, and it will take nothing short of blood, sweat, and tears to dislodge them.
The victory took Simba Bhora to 50 points, a point ahead of Scottland with nine matches to go.
It could turn out to be a two-horse race between Simba and Scottland, as MWOS are now eight points behind the log leaders.
Away from the intriguing title race, Herentals crept into the top four with 41 points after a smash-and-grab win over Green Fuel in Chisumbanje.
Meanwhile, fifth-placed FC Platinum, on 40 points alongside TelOne and Ngezi Platinum Stars, are all guaranteed top-flight football next season.
The story is, however, different for eighth-placed ZPC Kariba on 31 points, all the way down to log anchors Kwekwe United.
The Kariba-based side is just four points away from Green Fuel, who occupy the last relegation slot.
With nine matches to go, it will be a dog-eat-dog affair to try to survive the dreaded chop.
