City keep championship hopes alive

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO City FC kept their championship hopes alive by beating Bantu Rovers 1-0 in an exciting Southern Region Soccer League match played at Luveve Stadium on Saturday.

The ambitious local municipality sponsored side got the solitary goal early in the second half through winger Trevor Ndlovu who dribbled past a number of Bantu Rovers’ defenders before unleashing a thunderous shot.

Bulawayo City remains tied on third position with Bulawayo Chiefs on 23 points after 11 outings, although the latter have a superior goal difference.

They remain two points behind pacesetters ZPC Hwange, who laboured to a 1-0 victory over army side Indlovu Iyanyathela.

The lively Bulawayo derby was watched by Premiership coaches Mandla Mpofu of Highlanders, Tsholotsho FC’s Lizwe Sweswe and Philani Mabhena, who plies his trade in Botswana.

Bulawayo City dominated the first half and could have gone to the break leading by at least two goals had their strikers been accurate in front of goal.

After getting the breakthrough early in the second half, City sat back and attempted to catch Rovers on the counter.

However, striker Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda failed to keep his efforts on target whenever he managed to beat a well organised offside trap.

Rovers upped their game in search of an equaliser but lacked precision in the final third.

They pulled out 16-year-old Thabo Lunga for former national Under-17 striker Bukhosi “Zakhu” Sibanda, whose introduction brought some urgency to Tshintsha Guluva’s attack.

The former Premiership side began winning fouls in dangerous places but Blessing “Marabha” Ngwenya was denied by the woodwork from a set piece with City goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda beaten.

Bukhosi also hit the side netting in the dying stages of the match while Mduduzi Dube twice failed to direct his headers on target.

City coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube admitted that the game against Rovers was a tough one.

“From all the matches that we’ve played this season, I’ll say this has been a tough game. Bantu Rovers really made us work for these points. It was a good game but I think we got our game plan okay. We knew that in the second half they were coming to press us and the best way was to play with a single striker Qinani. We absorbed them and wanted to catch them on breaks. They also had good chances but then the day belonged to us. I’m happy with these three points,” said Ncube.

Despite the defeat, Rovers’ coach Johannes Ngodzo was full of praise for his boys.

“The boys put up a good show and even the youngsters Lucky Ndlela, Lunga and Bukhosi played well. They matched the experienced guys. There were a lot of positives because we were comfortable on the ball, managed to create chances and with a bit of luck, we could have won. I think we deserved at least a point but congratulations to Bulawayo City for winning the game,” said Ngodzo.

In Hwange, Indlovu Iyanyathela gave log leaders ZPC Hwange a scare before narrowly going down 0-1.

Technosphere continued with their steady rise on the table, moving two places up to position four following a 3-0 victory over Old Nic Mine. Clayton Lungu, Artwell Nyoni and Bekithemba Nyoni scored for Technosphere.

On Sunday, former champions Bulawayo Chiefs needed a second half goal from captain Kundishora Chakanyuka to beat Amagagasi in Victoria Falls.

Makomo FC forgot about their shoddy preparations leading to their clash against Hwange Juniors when they beat them 1-0.

Makomo FC players boycotted training during the week in protest over outstanding bonuses, and even threatened not to fulfil their league matches.

The club’s leadership is said to have pleaded with the players and promised each player $10 for a win.

Results

Saturday: Technosphere 3-0 Old Nic Mine, Bantu Rovers 0-1 Bulawayo City, Black Boots 1-0 Nust, ZPC Hwange 1-0 Indlovu Iyanyathela, Trumus 0-0 Casmyn

Sunday: Makomo 1-0 Hwange Juniors, Amagagasi 0-1 Bulawayo Chiefs

Southern Region Soccer League Table

P W D L F A GD Pts

ZPC Hwange 11 7 4 0 12 3 9 25

Bulawayo Chiefs 11 7 2 2 14 5 9 23

Bulawayo City 11 7 2 2 13 4 9 23