Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
A potentially explosive Southern Region Division One Soccer League encounter is on the cards when championship favourites Bulawayo Chiefs play host to rivals Talen Vision today at Hartsfield Ground.
Thulani Sibanda, the Chiefs’ coach, said they are treating the clash as a “final”.
Talen Vision were on a bye last week while Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Casmyn.
“The championship race is heating up and at this stage we can’t afford to drop points. We are going for maximum points against Talen Vision. They are a good side and obviously want to make life difficult for us in their quest to avoid losing to us twice. We’ve, however, been working hard at training and after salvaging a hard-fought point against Casmyn, I believe we’re mentally prepared for Talen Vision,” said Sibanda.
Chiefs welcome back speedy striker Farawo Matare, who was with Team Bulawayo at last month’s National Youth Games in Hwange.
The young striker is competing for a starting berth with skipper Kundishora Chakanyuka, Mgcini Mpofu and Adrian Banana.
If Chiefs are to complete a double, they will need playmakers, Perfect Chikwende and Arthur Musiiwa to come to party.
Chiefs top the table with 44 points from 16 games and lead second-placed ZPC Hwange who take on Black Boots in Hwange tomorrow. Chiefs have two games in hand.
Talen Vision manager Juma Phiri said: “We’re treating this match like any other league game. We’re going into the match to compete not just to fulfil the fixture and we will not be cowed.”
Defenders Mongameli Ndlovu and Shelton Sibanda, the midfield pair of Ntokozo Tshuma and Adonis Nyoni as well as strikers Mthulisi Nkomo and Anesu Nyathi are set to lead Chiefs’ quest for maximum points.
Fixtures
Today: Bulawayo Chiefs v Talen Vision (Hartsfield, 12PM)
Tomorrow: ZPC Hwange v Black Boots (Hwange), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Chiwororo (Brady Barracks), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Casmyn (Fairbridge), Zim Leopards v Mosi Rovers (Raylton), Victoria Falls Tigers v Makomo (Victoria Falls), Bosso 90 v Amagagasi (Fairbridge, 12PM)
*All matches start at 3PM unless stated
Table
P W D L F A GD Pts
Bulawayo Chiefs 16 14 2 0 33 3 30 44
ZPC Hwange 18 11 5 2 32 7 25 38
Makomo 18 8 7 3 20 13 7 31
Bosso 90 18 8 5 5 20 17 3 29
Casmyn 17 6 6 5 18 12 6 24
Zim Leopards 17 6 5 6 24 28 -4 23
ZRP Bulawayo 16 5 5 6 18 19 -1 20
Black Boots 18 5 5 8 22 33 -11 20
Talen Vision 16 4 7 5 12 12 0 19
Indlovu Iyanyathela 16 5 4 7 16 23 -7 19
Mosi Rovers 16 4 5 7 16 23 -7 17
Chiwororo 17 3 4 10 18 29 -11 13
Amagagasi 17 2 6 9 12 24 -12 12
Victoria Falls Tigers 16 2 4 10 7 25 -18 10
– @ZililoR.
Online Reporter