adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO City FC have positioned themselves as Southern Region Soccer League title favourites after opening a two-point lead at the weekend as the season reached the halfway mark. The local authority sponsored side beat Old Nic Mine 2-0 on Saturday while city neighbours and second placed Bulawayo Chiefs dropped two crucial points when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ntabazinduna.
City have now gone for six matches without conceding a goal and took their points tally to 33.
City’s goals came from midfielder Eddie Nkulungo and former Bantu Rovers striker Mkhululi Moyo. It was Moyo’s first goal for City.
Former Premiership Coach of the Year Philani “Beefy” Ncube is happy that they have now pulled away from their rivals Chiefs and is now bracing for an even tighter contest as they head for the home straight.
“We’re getting better with each game and I’m happy that Mkhululi finally scored. He has been working hard and I believe that this is the break that he needed. Old Nic Mine really gave us a good run for our money, but my boys’ performance was better and they showed a positive attitude. They never looked down on their opponents and gave a good fight,” Ncube said.
“I think the second part of the season will need the boys to show their mental strength. It will be tight because everyone will be fighting for different reasons. Others will need points to survive relegation while others will be out for the championship. As league debutantes, so far we’re happy with how we’re progressing.”
City have already beefed up their squad in anticipation of a demanding period by bringing on board ex-Bosso skipper Innocent Mapuranga to bolster their central defence.
They have also snapped right back Lewis “Rambo” Sibanda, a product of the Highlanders juniors, who has been playing for Black Boots, as well as attacking midfielder Arnold “Poonkie” Ndiweni, who has some Premiership experience.
City are also rumoured to be closing in on out-of-contract ex-How Mine, Ajax Cape Town and Highlanders forward Simba Sithole. They also intend raiding Chicken Inn for the services of striker Thomas Chimenya.
While City are busy reinforcing their team, their rivals Chiefs have been silent on the transfer market.
Chiefs had to come from a goal down when Fidelis Dube cancelled Natabazinduna’s opener scored by Joshua Wilson.
Chiefs were without winger Ishmael Wadi for the Ntabazinduna game.
“We really missed Wadi but I should give credit to Ntabazinduna for giving us a good game. The players that got in did well and the fight goes on,” said Chiefs’ coach Thulani Sibanda.
Casmyn continued with their steady rise on the table, jumping from fourth into third place following their 2-1 win over Nust.
The gold miners are now on 28 points, five behind City, and could be championship dark horses.
Former Premiership side Bantu Rovers beat Technosphere 2-1 at White City Stadium on Saturday with their goals coming from Tshidzani Annot Malaba and Lenience “Qobho” Mpofu.
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