admin
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN midfielder Kelvin Bingala has shaken off a groin strain, returning to action earlier than expected to play a part in Orapa United’s title charge in the Botswana Premier Soccer League.
The 26-year-old former Herentals midfielder who has been a vital cog at Orapa United strained his groin on November 29, away at Extension Gunners where they won 2-1.
With tendon injuries recovery time expected to be between three to six weeks, Bingala, who has been one of the outstanding players at Orapa United was expected to be on the sidelines for a while, with anticipation to play a bigger part in the championship.
However, Bingala was in action on Sunday, playing just over an hour before he was substituted in Orapa United’s 4-0 emphatic win against Prisons XI at Molepolole Sports Complex.
The big win for Orapa United took their points tally to 15 from seven games and they now trail leaders Gaborone United by four points.
Orapa United are third on the table and are well positioned for a title challenge.
Bingala’s side is on a three-match winning streak which they might extend when they play host to Sua Flamingoes, a team formerly coached by Zimbabwean Rahman Gumbo who was shown the exit door last week.
Sua Flamingoes head to Orapa United having put to an end a three-game losing streak that cost the scalp of the former Warriors coach as they beat Holy Ghost 2-0. Meanwhile, ex-Young Warriors coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu registered a big win when he masterminded Township Rollers’ 3-0 defeat to put to a halt the former champions’ six-match unbeaten run. Mpofu’s Masitaoka remained glued on position six with 12 points after seven games, five points adrift of leaders Gaborone United.
While Mpofu celebrated his team’s big win, ex-Bulawayo City gaffer Philani “Beefy’ Ncube’s Nico United suffered a heavy 4-0 away defeat to defending champions Gaborone United.
Nico United have gone for six games without a win, with their only victory recorded on the first day of the season when they edged Sua Flamingoes 1-0. Since then, they’ve played three draws and three defeats.
Nico United are just a point above relegation, leaving Ncube under pressure for results. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter