Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAN Chipangano be upstaged by a club it unintentionally birthed?
That’s the biggest question hovering over the Zifa Southern Region Division One League ahead of Wednesday’s fixtures, where Hwange FC square off against neighbours Blackrock FC, in a fiery all Colliery derby.
Hwange are strong favourites for a swift return to the Premier Soccer League, just like fellow relegated side, Bulawayo Chiefs. But the real subplot here is poetic, the team hoping to derail them was formed by someone the coalminers once rejected.
After being turned away at trials by Hwange in the mid 1990s, Tichaona Mufandaedza teamed up with friends from Lwendulu to create Blackrock FC. Thirty years later, the club not only plays in the same division as Hwange but now faces them in a league match with serious stakes.
“It means a lot to us,” said Mufandaedza, now Blackrock’s technical manager. “I failed trials at Hwange and thought of starting my own team. Among the first guys I worked with were Phibion Magare and Gerald “Choto” Ndlovu, who later captained Hwange. Many passed through our hands, but to be playing Hwange now, the club we all once looked up to, is a big achievement.”
And he’s fired up for the derby.
“It’s two bulls clashing. The grass will suffer. There’ll be dust everywhere,” he said.
While Hwange have the upper hand on paper, Blackrock have already punched above their weight this season, and with local bragging rights on the line, form might count for little.
Chipangano fans have been urged to rally behind their team by supporters chairman, Lisitu Ndlovu.
Lisitu ndlovu
“Let’s turn up in our numbers to lift the boys psychologically. We need everyone, company management, executives, fans, and the entire community, to be present. That support is key as we fight to reclaim our Premier League status,” said Ndlovu.
He also called for discipline from both sets of supporters.
“Sometimes the game doesn’t go our way, whether due to refereeing, the pitch, or individual form, but I urge everyone to refrain from violence or abuse.”
He backed Hwange to win, but knows it won’t be straightforward.
This isn’t your typical David vs Goliath. Blackrock might be new to this level, but they’ve played with heart. Sixth on the table with 23 points from 13 games, just four behind Hwange, they remain within their season target of survival.
They’ve shown defensive solidity under coach Mthulisi Maphosa, a former midfielder for Highlanders, Monomotapa, TP Mazembe and Zimbabwe Saints.
Hwange, third on the log with 27 points, remain in the title race but trail surprise leaders Nkayi United by four. The latter visit Victoria Falls Herentals, who sit 12th, hoping to stretch their lead.
Elsewhere, fourth placed Bulawayo Warriors face off against Mainline at Plumtree’s Dingumuzi Stadium in another top four scrap.
Southern Region Division One – Wednesday Fixtures
Blackrock vs Hwange (Sinderella)
Ajax Hotspurs vs Talen Vision (White City B)
Zebra Revolution vs Nust (White City B)
Megawatt vs Bosso 90 (Chakona)
Mainline vs Bulawayo Warriors (Dingumuzi)
Imbizo vs Eagle Life (Lookout Masuku Barracks)
Jordan vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Filabusi)
Vic Falls Herentals vs Nkayi United (Chinotimba)
Note: Casmyn vs Bulawayo City – Postponed
