Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO CHIEFS seized the opportunity presented by Nkayi United’s slip-up to climb to the summit of the ZIFA Southern Region Division One table following a decisive midweek round of fixtures.
Chiefs overpowered Imbizo 3–1 at Llewellyn, with former Bulawayo City and Black Mambas striker Anesu Saiti opening the scoring. Farau Matare added a second before an own goal sealed the result and secured three valuable points. The win moved Chiefs level on 54 points with Nkayi United, but ahead on goal difference.
“I’m excited, very happy we managed to win — three points away from home and three goals — it’s a good result,” said Chiefs head coach John Nyikadzino.
Nkayi United, who began the day at the top, were held to a goalless draw by a resolute NUST FC side. Despite dominating possession for long periods, they failed to find a breakthrough, dropping two crucial points.
Hwange remained in contention with a 2–0 victory over Bosso 90. The coalminers left it late, breaking the deadlock in the second half through Mongameli Tshuma and Shepherd Gahadzikwa to keep their promotion hopes alive.
The tight race now sees Chiefs and Nkayi United tied on 54 points, with Chiefs leading on goal difference. Hwange trail with 49 points and remain within touching distance.
Attention now turns to the weekend fixtures, which could once again reshape the title race. Chiefs will host Victoria Falls City Herentals at Chiefs Village on Saturday, aiming to tighten their grip on first place. Nkayi United face a tricky away fixture against Talen Vision, where a return to winning ways is essential. Hwange travel to Bulawayo for a clash with Bulawayo Warriors, looking to close the five-point gap on the leading pair.
Meanwhile, former Railstars, Zanaco and Zesco left back Zimiseleni Moyo has left Eagle Life. He would not disclose his reasons for quitting the youthful but cash-strapped club.
Match Week 24 results
Imbizo 1-3 Bulawayo Chiefs; Nkayi United 0-0 NUST FC; Eagle Life 2-3 Talen Vision; Casmyn 2-1 Bulawayo Warriors; Vic Falls Herentals 0-1 Bulawayo City; Hwange 2-0 Bosso 90.
Match Week 25 fixtures
Bosso 90 v BlackRock (White City B Arena); Bulawayo Chiefs v Vic Falls City Herentals (Chiefs Village); Bulawayo Warriors v Hwange (White City B Arena); Talen Vision v Nkayi United (Mthwakazi)
Bulawayo City v Imbizo (White City B Arena)
NUST FC v Jordan (NUST Stadium)
Eagle Life v Mainline (Raylton)
Zebra Revolution v Megawatt (White City B Arena).
