adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SERIOUS mind games could be at play in the Southern Region Soccer League following second-placed Bulawayo Chiefs’ declaration that they are out of the championship race with eight games remaining. Chiefs trail title favourites Bulawayo City, who have amassed 49 points, by four points after 22 games. Conceding defeat at this stage can be viewed as an act of psychological warfare on the part of Chiefs as there are still 24 points at stake.
Chiefs coach Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda said they were focusing on building a team that will compete for the championship next season.
“Realistically, City are a strong side with quality players and it will be difficult for any team to stop them. They’re clear favourites and only a miracle can stop them. As for us, the best thing to do is start preparing for next season and make sure that we identify the weak points in our squad so that by the time we get into the off-season, we know our targets,” Sibanda said.
“When we started the year, we said we were going to challenge for the title next season but as the season progressed we realised it was almost possible to be promoted. What we’re simply doing is refocusing on our pre-season goal and redirecting our energy there. It’s not about psychological war but it’s about reality.”
Chiefs were big scorers last weekend, hammering Mpumalanga 6-0.
On Sunday, Chiefs take on tricky opponents Black Boots at Hartsfield Ground and will be without speedy winger Ishmael Wadi, who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards.
Wadi, who had been rested in the game against Mpumalanga for the Black Boots encounter, was yellow carded for allegedly entering the playing field to celebrate one of his team’s goals.
Joseph Mutambiranwa, one of the scorers against the Hwange side, is likely to start on the right side of the midfield while Ashton Mhlanga and Mkhululi Dube will be tasked with leading Chiefs’ attack.
While Chiefs will be busy hunting for maximum points, City are expected to have an easy walk in the park against Nust at Luveve Stadium.
The table toppers will want to bounce back from a surprise 0-1 defeat to Technosphere at the same venue last weekend.
City are favourites to win the game having beaten Nust 3-0 in the corresponding fixture, with goals from ex-Bosso defender Bruce Tshuma, Ryan Mabhena and former Quelaton midfielder Eddie Nkulungo.
On their day, the local municipality side can crush their opponents with ease.
Meanwhile, Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu’s army side Indlovu Iyanyathela will be out to stretch their unbeaten run away to Technosphere in Hwange.
Indlovu Iyanyathela go into the game bubbling with confidence following their 2-1 win over the Tapela Ngwenya coached Makomo.
Fixtures
Saturday: Technosphere v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Hwange), Amagagasi v Makomo (Victoria Falls), Ntabazinduna v Hwange Juniors (Ntabazinduna), Bantu Rovers v Trumus (Fairbridge, 12PM), Old Nic Mine v Casmyn (cancelled)
Sunday: Bulawayo City v Nust (Luveve), Bulawayo Chiefs v Black Boots (Hartsfield), Mpumalanga v ZPC Hwange (Hwange)
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