Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO Chiefs head coach John Nyikadzino has urged his players to remain focused and not get ahead of themselves, despite being in pole position to claim the Zifa Southern Region Division One title with only six games remaining.
Chiefs presently lead the standings with 64 points, followed by Hwange on 59 and Nkayi United 58.
With only 18 points left to play for, the title race is shaping up as a three-horse contest, with Chiefs clearly in the driver’s seat.
This Saturday, Bulawayo Chiefs will host Megawatt at Bulawayo Chiefs Village in a must-win encounter.
Their closest rivals Hwange will receive a walkover win, three points and three goals, due to Ajax’s expulsion from the league.
This means any slip-up by the Chiefs could narrow their lead at the top.
Coach Nyikadzino remains cautious of the threat posed by Megawatt.
“We did not play last week, which gave us some time to recover, both physically and mentally. The schedule has been intense, so it was good to re-energise. Players carrying knocks had time to heal, and we’ve prepared well,” said Nyikadzino.
He said the team must remain focused during this critical final stretch of the campaign.
“Everyone can see the finish line, and while that’s motivating, we must not lose our focus. Eighteen points is a lot, and we can’t afford to assume anything. Megawatt are a strong side with experienced players. They are no pushovers. As log leaders, every team will want to bring us down we have a target on our backs.”
Nyikadzino knows his side has everything to play for as they aim to bounce back into the Premier Soccer League relegation last season.
Chiefs have assembled a formidable squad, which includes former national team midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe, defenders Malvin Mkolo and Arthur Musiyiwa, and goalkeeper Matripples Muleya, who joined from TelOne.
With experience and depth in the squad, expectations are high, but the coach warns the job is not done.
Fixtures
Saturday
Bulawayo Warriors v Zebra Revolution (Luveve)
Talen Vision v Nust (Luveve Stadium 15 00hrs)
Blackrock v Vic Falls City Herentals (Cindrella)
Eagle Life v Casmyn (Raylton)
Imbizo v MainLine (Llewellin)
Bulawayo Chiefs v Megawaat (Chiefs Village)
Hwange v Ajax Hotspurs ( cancelled)
Sunday
Bosso 90 v Jordan (White City Stadium 1200hrs) Nkayi United v Bulawayo City (White City 1500hrs)
Mathew Masinge