adminSikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZRP Bulawayo ran riot by drilling half a dozen goals past a hapless Victoria Falls Tigers in a mid-week Zifa Southern Region Division One League encounter played at Fairbridge Ground in Bulawayo yesterday.
Goals by Bhekinkosi Mguni in the 19th minute, former Highlanders’ midfielder Lewis Matawu (29th min), Erico Phiri (33rd min), Tatenda Ngwena (59th mins) and a brace by Mgcini Mpofu in the 73rd and 90th minutes condemned the resort town based side.
The huge win also served as a huge motivator for the police side ahead of their clash against fellow uniformed services side Blackboots on Saturday.
“It was a good game for us and I believe we have secured a top five finish, although we are not taking any chances.
“We just need to win our last two games against Blackboots and ZPC Hwange,” said an elated ZRP Byo vice-chairman Fiso Siziba.
ZRP Bulawayo, captained by former Highlanders striker Patrick “Mboma” Mpofu, who now plays as a central defender, started the season slowly, but resilience and belief has seen the team posting some vital wins against championship chasing teams.
The championship race could take an interesting turn this weekend, with Bantu Rovers, who led the race for an incredible 16 weeks until last week when they surrendered top spot to Amagagasi, hoping to make full use of their home ground against visiting ZPC Hwange.
The power men will bow out of the title race if they fail to pick up maximum points against Rovers, as they can only take their season’s points tally to 59.
Leaders Bulawayo Chiefs have a tricky home tie against Bosso 90 that could see the Thulani Sibanda coached side surrender the top spot to either Rovers or Victoria Falls-based Amagagasi, who will be coming to Bulawayo for the third time in as many weeks.
Amagagasi take on Indlovu Iyanyathela.
Meanwhile, some teams are beginning to feel the effects of the mid-season break, as they are now forced to fulfil a congested fixtures programme.
“You can easily see that the boys are now tired. I think the idea of a break was ill-advised,” said one club official.
Fixtures
Saturday: Bantu Rovers vs ZPC Hwange (Luveve), Byo Chiefs v Bosso 90 (Hartsfield), ZRP Hwange vs Vic Falls Tigers (cancelled), Talen Vision vs Ntabazinduna (White City), Indlovu Iyanyathela vs Amagagasi (Brady Barracks), ZRP Byo v Black Boots (Fairbridge), Casmyn vs Makomo (Turk Mine), Hwange U’20 vs Technosphere (Hwange).
Online Reporter