adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BANTU Rovers completed the first third of the Southern Region Soccer League season in style by toppling Amagagasi from the top of the table at the weekend. Rovers registered their ninth straight win to take their points tally to 27, one more than Victoria Falls-based Amagagasi after 10 games. The former Premiership side beat Talen Vision 2-0 at Raylton Sports Club on Saturday, with goals from Bongani Sikwili and Joshua Wilson.
Amagagasi were held to a 1-1 draw by Technosphere. Coached by former national team and Highlanders’ midfielder Johannes Ngodzo, Rovers have remained modest despite being tagged among the title favourites.
“Our stance hasn’t changed at all. We’re not thinking about the title, but the club’s focus is on giving as many of these Under-20 players in our squad game time and develop their talent. It is good to note that we’re improving with every outing and the boys continue to show that zeal to post positive results, which is good for their confidence,” said Ngodzo.
“As for the title, I believe its early days to talk about that because we’re left with 20 more games and a lot can happen within that period. What we should be focusing on is grooming youngsters in our team into being consistent performers,” he said.
Some of the Under-20 players that have been regulars in Ngodzo’s side include skipper and Young Warriors forward Bukhosi Sibanda, right-back Lesley Lunga, the midfield trio of Ben Munsaka, Munyaradzi Chitambwe and Denzel Khumalo, as well as strikers Gladman Bharibhari and Obrey Chirinda.
The youngsters are being guided by ex-national team, Highlanders and FC Platinum defender Zephaniah Ngodzo, Lindelani Ncube, strikers Fortune Nkomazana and Joshua Wilson on the field of play.
Despite being toppled from the top after a lengthy run, Amagagasi haven’t lost hope with coach Zibonele Ncube claiming being second “eases pressure”.
“We led for the better part of the game against Technosphere and made a blunder in the last five minutes, which handed our opponents a draw and we subsequently lost our number one position. However, I believe being second will ease pressure because when we were at the top, the boys were really feeling the heat. Now we must just try and maintain the position we’re at and keep breathing on the table toppers,” Ncube said.
Third placed ZPC Hwange suffered their first loss of the season when they went down 0-2 to Victoria Falls Tigers in the resort town. ZPC Hwange have amassed 23 points from 12 games and trail Rovers by four points.
Bulawayo Chiefs had a nasty return to action as they were handed a 0-2 drubbing by ZRP Bulawayo.
Results
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs 0-2 ZRP Bulawayo, Bosso 90 0-2 Black Boots, Ntabazinduna 1-0 Makomo, Talen Vision 0-2 Bantu Rovers, Indlovu Iyanyathela 0-2 Casmyn, Victoria Falls Tigers 2-0 ZPC Hwange, Technosphere 1-1 Amagagasi
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Victoria Falls Tigers v ZRP Hwange (Chinotimba), Black Boots v Ntabazinduna (Fairbridge)
*Both matches start at 3PM
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