It All Ends Here: NRSL Title and Relegation Battles Set For Explosive Finale

The 2025 Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) season will come to an explosive end this Sunday, with the championship and relegation battles both set to be decided on the final day of the campaign.

After 37 rounds of football, N’ombeyawora FC and Agama FC remain locked in a fierce two horse race for the title, separated by a single point. At the opposite end of the table, Shamva Mine, Ngezi U19, and Ali Sundowns are all facing the grim reality of potential relegation as the season concludes.

All fixtures will be played simultaneously at 1500 hours across various venues, ensuring no side gains a psychological edge from knowing other results in advance.

N’ombeyawora FC sit at the top of the standings with 86 points, having recorded 26 wins, 8 draws, and only 3 defeats. Their consistency, defensive solidity, and attacking balance have kept them ahead of the chasing pack throughout the season.

They now travel to Ngoni Stadium for a potentially tricky tie against MWOS U19, who themselves are aiming for a top half finish. A victory for N’ombeyawora will secure them the Northern Region title and automatic promotion to the Premier Soccer League, regardless of what happens elsewhere.

Second placed Agama FC (85 points) will be hoping for a slip up from the log leaders. They face FC Oden at Kuwadzana Stadium, knowing that a win is non negotiable if they are to keep their slim title hopes alive.

Agama have matched N’ombeyawora stride for stride throughout the campaign, winning 26 matches, but a costly 4-4 draw against Chinhoyi Rangers in late October left them a point adrift going into the final weekend.

The battle between the two sides has captivated followers of Division One football all season, with both clubs demonstrating the quality and professionalism of Premier League ready outfits.

Golden Eagles, sitting third with 72 points, have already fallen out of contention but could still influence the final table as they visit PAM FC at Muriel Mine Stadium.

While the top of the table is a duel between champions elect, the bottom is a desperate struggle for survival.

Three teams, Shamva Mine (38 points), Ngezi U19 (34 points), and Ali Sundowns (33 points)  enter the final day facing the possibility of relegation, with only one expected to survive.

In what is effectively a do or die fixture, Shamva Mine travel to Baobab Stadium to face Ngezi U19. Both sides know that defeat will almost certainly condemn them to Division Two football next season.

Shamva Mine have won ten matches this season but have struggled defensively, conceding 41 goals. Ngezi U19, who have endured a difficult run of form, will be banking on home advantage and a strong finish to lift themselves off the bottom three.

Meanwhile, Ali Sundowns, who sit second from bottom with 33 points, will be away at Wagadugu Stadium against Banket United. Their only hope of survival lies in securing a win and relying on results elsewhere to go in their favor, as they also face a negative goal difference of -19.

The relegation picture remains so tight that any of the three clubs could still drop, depending on Sunday’s outcomes.

Beyond the main battles at both ends of the table, several mid table sides will also be aiming to end the season on a high note.

Black Rhinos, currently fourth with 68 points, host Chinhoyi Stars at Mkushi Academy Grounds, while Harare City (fifth, 56 points) welcome Zambezi G&C to Gwanzura Stadium. Both matches carry significance for final top six placement.

Elsewhere, Chinhoyi Rangers take on Black Mambas at Chinhoyi Stadium, Cranborne Bullets host Trojan Stars at Commando Barracks, and Karoi United welcome Chegutu Pirates to Chikangwe Stadium.

As the league reaches its climax, the Northern Region Soccer League’s slogan “Bhora Redu” will come to life in every corner of the country, with fans expected to pack stadiums in anticipation of a thrilling conclusion.

League administrators have confirmed that all matches will kick off simultaneously to preserve the integrity of the competition.

With one final round left to play, the stakes could not be higher. Will N’ombeyawora crown a dominant season with the title, or will Agama pull off a dramatic final day turnaround? And who among Shamva Mine, Ngezi U19, and Ali Sundowns will avoid the drop?

The answers will unfold on Sunday in 90 minutes that could define careers, rewrite club histories, and bring an unforgettable close to one of the most dramatic NRSL seasons in recent memory.