Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO Chiefs have hit the ground running in their quest to return to the Premier Soccer League, stitching together three consecutive wins to underline their early dominance in the Zifa Southern Region Division One.
Under the guidance of Maxwell Jongwe, the “Twitter Boys” edged city rivals Bosso 90 with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory at Luveve Stadium yesterday, thanks to a 26th-minute strike from Panashe Shoko. The hard-fought derby win lifted Chiefs to the top of the table with nine points from three matches and impressively, they are yet to concede a goal.
While Chiefs set the early pace, they are being closely tracked by another former PSL outfit, Hwange, who climbed to second with seven points after thrashing Zebra Revolution 5-0 in emphatic fashion. Talen Vision also flexed their muscles, dispatching Mainline 6-1, to add further intrigue to what is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive promotion race.
Chiefs’ strong start follows a major squad overhaul after last season’s relegation heartbreak. Only nine players were retained, with the club releasing a host of regulars including Lucky Ndlela, Mduduzi Maseko, and Migoz Svinurayi as they sought to refresh and rebuild. Determined to bounce back, Chiefs were active in the transfer market. Midfielder, Kelvin Madzongwe arrived from Zebra Revolution, while prolific forward Tatenda Ushe, who netted 15 goals last season, adds extra firepower upfront. They also snapped up former Dynamos winger Arthur Musiyiwa, defender Malvin Mkolo from Simba Bhora, goalkeeper Matripples Muleya from TelOne and defenders, Polite Mwenda (Arenel) and Gabriel Dlodlo.
Blending experience with fresh hunger, Amakhosi Amahle are looking every bit a side determined to bounce back swiftly. Their defensive solidity, attacking depth and tactical organisation have already marked them as early favourites for promotion.
Elsewhere in the weekend’s action, Blackrock edged Bulawayo City 1-0, while Casmyn eased past Megawatt 2-0.
Southern Region Division One Weekend Results:
Talen Vision 6-1 Mainline, Hwange 5-0 Zebra Revolution, Blackrock 1-0 Bulawayo City, Eagle Life 1-0 Bulawayo Warriors, Imbizo 0-0 Nust, Bosso 90 0-1 Bulawayo Chiefs, Casmyn 2-0 Megawatt. — @innocentskizoe
