By Sports writer
AS the curtain came down on the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, the sun was also setting for Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange as they were relegated on the last day of the premiership.
They will join Chegutu Pirates and Arenel Movers as the four teams to be relegated this season.
Hwange lost 2-0 to Bikita Minerals who needed a victory to secure their spot in the top flight for next season.
Bulawayo Chiefs also lost 2-1 away to Manica Diamonds condemning them to the lower tier of Zimbabwean football.
It means three teams from the Southern region have been relegated this season.
Arenel Movers, Hwange and Bulawayo Chiefs will all be in the Southern region soccer league next year.
Bikita Minerals finished the season in 14th place on the log standings with 38 points.
Simba Bhora lifted their maiden league title at Nyamhunga stadium in Kariba despite losing 1-0 to ZPC Kariba.
At Mandava stadium, FC Platinum played out a goalless draw against Telone in a low key Midlands derby.
The Platinum miners finish in second place with 61 points, five adrift of the league champions.
Mapeza proud of his boys
FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza praised his charges for coming up as runners up.
“I’m not going to take anything away from these guys,they worked so hard for us to finish second with a game to spare,” he said.
“It wasn’t easy we had Ngezi,Manica and Highlanders at one point fighting for second place.
“As a coach I’m really proud of these boys i can’t take anything away from them.”
For TelOne, the draw ensured they end the season in a respectable 10th place finish.
The WiFi boys coach, Hebert Maruwa said their end to the season gives his side a good foundation for a bright future.
“I am very happy with the way the guys responded, i want to thank the executive, players, fellow coaches and supporters.
“We were in a very bad situation but we managed to pull through and had a strong finish.
“We are in the top 10 from 17th position to tenth position it is very encouraging going forward,” said Maruwa.
Elsewhere, Arenel Movers and Chegutu Pirates settled for a nil all stalemate.
Herentals and Chicken Inn also played out a goalless draw while Dynamos lost 2-1 to Green Fuel.
