Raymond Jaravaza/ Innocent Kurira
BULAWAYO Chiefs secured their place in the 2027 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season with a game to spare yesterday while across town, Chicken Inn dealt another damaging blow to Agama FC’s survival hopes with a 3-1 victory at Barbourfields Stadium.
It was a welcome double result for Bulawayo football, with Chiefs finally getting the job done in their relegation battle and Chicken Inn ensuring that Agama left the city empty-handed at Barbourfields Stadium.
At Luveve Stadium, Chiefs beat fellow strugglers Hunters FC 2-0 to move to 37 points, a tally that guarantees their Premiership survival regardless of what happens in their final match.
Second-half goals from Jimu Godswill Gwara and Panashe Shoko settled the contest for John Nyikadzino’s men, bringing an end to the anxiety surrounding their top-flight status.
For a club that has spent much of the campaign looking over its shoulder, the victory was worth considerably more than the three points on offer.
Chiefs have endured a difficult season and their position on the log had left them with little room for error heading into the final stretch.
Yesterday, however, they produced when it mattered most, with Gwara and Shoko finding the goals that guaranteed another season among the country’s football elite.
Nyikadzino had made it clear before the match that his team understood the importance of the assignment and was confident his players would deliver.
“We are confident going into this game. We have prepared well and we know how crucial this game is,” he said.
The coach will now be able to approach the final fixture with considerably less pressure, having achieved the primary objective of keeping Chiefs in the top flight.
Across town at Barbourfields Stadium, Chicken Inn provided another significant development in the relegation picture by defeating Agama 3-1.
Agama went into the match knowing that points were desperately needed, but the Gamecocks proved too strong, particularly after the visitors had briefly threatened to take something from the encounter.
Chicken Inn took the lead through Kankonde Tshisungu, who converted from the penalty spot in the 45th minute after Michael Charamba was brought down inside the box.
The Gamecocks went into the break with a 1-0 advantage, but Agama returned from the interval with renewed determination.
Their response paid off when Siphelelo Philisi converted a free-kick in the 56th minute to level matters with the hosts.
The equaliser gave Agama renewed hope, but Chicken Inn refused to allow the visitors to build on their momentum.
Junior Makunike restored the Gamecocks’ advantage in the 71st minute with a powerful low finish before Man Ykre Hapmo added another five minutes later to complete the 3-1 victory.
Chicken Inn coach Tonderayi Ndiraya was pleased with the response from his players after Agama had drawn level.
“After we conceded the equaliser, we needed character and the boys showed character to come back in the game and I must commend Junior Makunike for a good game of football,” said Ndiraya.
The result leaves Agama with plenty to do in their remaining fixture as they continue to fight for survival.
They remain on 31 points and cannot afford another slip-up, with their fate still dependent on the final round of matches and results elsewhere.
For Bulawayo Chiefs, the equation is now considerably simpler.
They have done enough to preserve their Premiership status and can look forward to the 2027 campaign without the threat of relegation hanging over them.
The two matches may have been played at different venues, but their outcomes combined to make it a significant afternoon in Bulawayo’s football calendar.
