Bulawayo City face stern test

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Region Soccer League championship favourites Bulawayo City face a stern test when they play against Ntabazinduna at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.

City’s daunting opponents will be playing their third match in eight days having beaten Old Nic Mine last Saturday and Mpumalanga in a midweek encounter.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services side trails City by four points. City have amassed 27 points from 13 games.

City played to a goalless draw against Bulawayo Chiefs at Fairbridge last Saturday and would be hoping to return to winning ways against the prison wardens.

Ntabazinduna coach Agent “Ajira” Sawu said to complete a hat trick of wins in eight days would be one of their biggest achievements.

“Everyone is geared up for the City game. What might take strain on my players is the physical demand of playing three competitive matches in a week. However, we are not using that as an excuse because we are professionals and have to fight for those points. We are going to give City a good run for their money,” Sawu said.

Joshua Wilson and Hillary Mavela scored in Ntabazinduna’s 2-0 midweek win over Mpumalanga, and the two are expected to lead their side as it fights for maximum points against City.

The league’s top goal scorer for April, James Chivasa and Brazy Sibanda are some of the Ntabazinduna players that City should mark closely.

Ntabazinduna should expect a tough game at Luveve Stadium, which City has turned into their favourite hunting ground.

City mauled Mpumalanga 4-0 a fortnight ago at Luveve Stadium with goals coming from double scorer Makhosi Ncube, Trevor Ndlovu and Terrence Majo.

The local municipality side boasts a number of experienced players who include goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda, central defender and skipper Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda, midfielders Innocent “Joker” Kutsanzira, Eddy Nkulungo, Ncube and Warren Dube.

They have speedy forwards in the form of Mkhululi Moyo and Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda, who are capable of tiring any defence on a given afternoon.

City’s coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube said they were close to perfection and were looking forward to an exciting game against Ntabazinduna.

Second placed Chiefs welcome back skipper Kundishora Chakanyuka, who missed last weekend’s epic battle against City through suspension.

Chakanyuka is the winner of the top goal scorer for June after banging in three goals to beat Perfect Chikwenda of Black Boots and the Technosphere duo of Clayton Lungu and Vumani Sibanda, as well as Never Dube, who scored two goals each.

Chiefs are aware that any mistake could hamper their title hopes.

Black Boots welcome Tapela Ngwenya’s Makomo.

Fixtures

Today: Nust v Hwange Juniors (White City, 12PM), Old Nic Mine v Bulawayo Chiefs (Old Nic Mine), Amagagasi v Technosphere (Victoria Falls), Bulawayo City v Ntabazinduna (Luveve), Black boots v Mkaomo (Fairbridge), Mpumalanga v Bantu Rovers (Hwange)

Tomorrow: Trumus v ZPC Hwange (Victoria Falls)

Wednesday: Casmyn v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Turk Mine)

P W D L F A GD Pts
Bulawayo City 13 8 3 2 17 4 13 27

Bulawayo Chiefs 13 8 3 2 16 6 10 27

ZPC Hwange 13 7 5 1 13 5 8 26

Ntabazinduna 13 7 2 4 18 10 8 23

Technosphere 13 6 4 3 17 8 9 22

Casmyn 13 6 4 3 11 11 0 22

Bantu Rovers 13 6 3 4 16 10 6 21

Makomo 13 6 3 4 11 9 2 21

Black Boots 13 5 4 4 15 12 3 19

Indlovu Iyanyathela 13 5 3 5 9 9 0 18