Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO Chiefs FC will feel shortchanged by a counter attraction Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match to be played in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Bulawayo Chiefs who had been hoping to cash-in from their big-match against Caps United, have their fixture set for Saturday at Luveve Stadium likely to be affected by a counter attraction match between Dynamos and champions FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium on the same day.
This means that with two-high profile matches slated for the city on the same day, even neutrals who would have wanted to watch both blockbuster matches will be forced to watch just one.
With Bulawayo proving to be the true home of football as evidenced by numbers of supporters who turn-up to watch local games, the Dynamos-FC Platinum game is likely to be a crowd puller.
Last weekend, over 10 000 fans paid their way into Barbourfields Stadium for the epic “Clash of the Cities” between Caps United who were the “home team” and Highlanders. Bosso won the encounter 2-1 courtesy of goals by Lynoth Chikuhwa and Melikhaya Ncube.
On Saturday, both Bulawayo Chiefs and Caps United will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways after losing their respective games against Greenfuel and Highlanders.
Bulawayo Chiefs, who had their coach Lizwe Sweswe sitting out at the terraces amid reports that he had gone for months without a salary, lost 2-0 to Greenfuel.
Chiefs have since appointed former Tsholotsho FC’s coach Joseph Sibindi as assistant coach to Sweswe who is rumoured to be on his way out. First division clubs in South Africa are said to be interested in his services.
“In fulfilment of Club Licencing regulations, we are thrilled to announce that we have appointed Joseph Sibindi as assistant coach of the senior team. Coach Sibindi comes in as an assistant to Coach Lizwe Sweswe, who remains our head coach,” reads a statement from Bulawayo Chiefs.
Sibindi is a Caf A holder, a requirement for a head coach or assistant gaffer in the Premiership.
Yesterday Sibindi took Bulawayo Chiefs players through their paces.
Lloyd Chitembwe, Caps United coach whose side dominated the second half against Highlanders will hope his veterans Tafadzwa Rusike, Devon Chafa, Phinias Bamusi and Rodwell Chinyengetere play a big role in inspiring them to a victory against Bulawayo Chiefs.
Across town at Barbourfields Stadium, Dynamos who got a last minute winner from Eli Ilunga when they beat Black Rhinos 2-1 at Bata Stadium in Gweru will seek to stop the champions who seem to have found the right groove.
FC Platinum clipped Chicken Inn’s wings as Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona scored in their 2-0 win at Mandava Stadium.
Castle Lager Matchday 13 results
Saturday: Bulawayo Chiefs 0-2 Greenfuel, Manica Diamonds 1-0 Sheasham, FC Platinum 2-0 Chicken Inn, Ngezi Platinum Stars 2-1 Hwange, ZPC Kariba 2-1 Yadah
Sunday: Black Rhinos 1-2 Dynamos, Caps United 1-2 Highlanders, Triangle United 2-1 Cranborne, Herentals 2-1 Simba Bhora
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League table
P W D L F A GD Pts
Ngezi Platinum 13 7 5 1 20 11 9 26
Highlanders 13 6 7 0 11 4 7 25
FC Platinum 13 7 3 3 15 12 3 24
M/Diamonds 13 6 4 3 16 8 8 22
Dynamos 13 5 6 2 15 6 9 21
Chicken Inn 13 5 6 2 12 8 4 21
Triangle United 13 3 9 1 9 7 2 18
Byo Chiefs 13 4 5 4 16 14 2 17
Caps United 12 4 5 3 10 8 2 17
Herentals 13 3 6 4 12 13 -1 15
Hwange 13 4 3 6 10 13 -3 15
Yadah 13 4 2 7 8 12 -4 14
ZPC Kariba 13 4 2 7 9 20 -11 14
Greenfuel 13 3 4 6 10 14 -4 13
C/Bullets13 13 3 4 6 8 11 -3 13
Simba Bhora 13 2 6 5 9 11 -2 12
Sheasham 12 1 8 3 6 12 -6 11
Black Rhinos 13 1 3 9 4 17 -13 6
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