Call for prayers for players plying trade in SA

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zifa Southern Region has joined other sporting organisations by condemning xenophobic attacks in South Africa and will this weekend hold a minute of prayer before kickoff of all their Division One matches.

Regional boss Musa Mandaza said a number of Zimbabwean players plying their trade in the neighbouring country come from this part of the country. Therefore, he said, it was prudent that the region prays for their safety and that of other Zimbabwean players.

“We have a number of our players, plying their trade in South Africa while others are holding management positions there like the legendary Peter Ndlovu. A majority of these players are from our region here and we really want to pray for their safety as southern region, so all our matches this weekend will be preceded by a minute of prayer,” said Mandaza.

Six matches have been slotted for Saturday with league title favourites Bulawayo City, Bulawayo Chiefs and Ntabazinduna all involved in tricky matches.

The Philani Ncube-coached Bulawayo City, boasting of many experienced players, make their second trip to the coal mining town for a clash against unpredictable ZPC Hwange, themselves potential title winners.

Both teams are yet to lose in three games played so far and a bruising encounter should be in store.

At Brady Barracks, Bekithemba Ndlovu’s Indlovu Iyanyathela play host to table toppers, Bulawayo Chiefs coached by Thulani Ncube.

The soldiers are in a bad state so far, having lost their opening two matches, conceding five goals and scoring just one. Agent Sawu’s Ntabazinduna will travel the same route with Bulawayo City but their journey will be 100KM longer. They will find Trumus waiting for them at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Casmyn v Amagagasi (Turk Mine), Black Boots v Technosphere (pp), ZPC Hwange v Bulawayo City (Chakona), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Bulawayo Chiefs (Brady Barracks), Nust v Mpumalanga (Nust), Hwange U’20 v Bantu Rovers (Hwange), Trumus v Ntabazinduna (Victoria Falls)

Sunday: Makomo v Old Nic Mine (Chakona)

Wednesday: NUST v Old Nic Mine (NUST).