Chronicle EditorRaymond Jaravaza, Sports Correspondent
BULAWAYO Chiefs stretched their unbeaten run to 12 in the Southern Region Division One league by crushing Zim Leopards 5-0 in a thrilling derby at Hartsfield ground yesterday.
Chiefs have won 11 of their 12 matches in the First Division and Leopards were expected to give them a scare following their 1-0 stunner over Casmyn in Turk Mine last week.
But coach Thulani Sibanda’s Chiefs would have none of it and responded emphatically by thrashing the league’s new boys.
Striker Arthur Musiiwa opened the floodgates with a blistering shot inside the box, giving Leopards goalkeeper Desire Phiri no chance.
Captain Kundishora Chakanyuka added a second in the 28th minute when he beat Phiri with a powerful grounder from outside the box.
Hopes of a Leopards comeback were quickly dashed from the second half kick-off when Musiiwa found himself at the end a loose ball in the box to slot home the third goal.
Substitute Adrian Banana, who underwent trials in Tanzania last month, added his name to the score sheet in the 86th minute before Kundishora completed the thumping in the 89th minute.
Sibanda said he wants to keep his squad intact, an indication that he is satisfied with the makeup of his squad.
“The team has been doing well, so I’m not looking at adding new players. In the event that we add a new player, then he must have special qualities. We played well and I’m happy with the extra work that the players are putting in training and match days,” said Sibanda.
Leopards coach Xolani Nkundlande said experience counted in favour of Chiefs.
“We are playing in Division One for the first time and it was never going to be easy facing Bulawayo Chiefs, who have years of experience in the league. It’s important to pick ourselves up and prepare for the next match because even after such a defeat, life goes on,” said Nkundlande. — @RaymondJaravaza
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter