Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, [email protected]
BEITBRIDGE-based Central Region Soccer League side, Dulibadzimu, are targeting a strong second half of the season as they seek to finish in a respectable position.
Dulibadzimu are one of the seasoned campaigners in the Central Region but have experienced turbulent times lately.
Last season, they were affected by an exodus of players which spilled into the beginning of this season.
This left the border side with a lean and inexperienced squad, resulting in a poor first half of the season.
Dulibadzimu spent the better part of this season in the bottom half of the table, dicing with relegation.
To avert a full-blown crisis, the club roped in experienced coach Rutherford Matondo to help them stabilise the ship.
With the addition of a couple of names to their squad, Duliz, as they are affectionately known, now have a decent squad.
Dulibadzimu have added former Chapungu striker Kyle Nana, Learnmore Ndlovu from Buffaloes as well as striker Bloody Chifire and Lloyd Madini from Bikita Minerals.
Results are beginning to come and the team is also climbing up the table.
In their last two matches, they held log leaders Blanket Mine to a goalless draw before posting an impressive 1-0 win away to Good Morning.
This has seen them rise on the table to 14th place with 19 points.
“We don’t belong in the relegation zone,” club secretary Combat Moyo told the Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“It was imperative for us to make changes; that is why we brought back coach Matondo. The idea is for us to accumulate as many points in the remaining matches and finish strongly.”
Dulibadzimu’s resurgence will face an acid test when they host Gwanda side, Super Strikers at Dulibadzimu Stadium in Beitbridge.
The Gwanda outfit will be desperate for points after going down 1-0 to West Nicholson this past weekend.
In another Matabeleland South derby, basement side Matobo will host Vhembe Stars Academy at the Maphosa grounds.
At the other end of the table, leaders Blanket Mine will be hoping for better fortunes on the road when they travel to face FC Platinum U19 in Zvishavane on Sunday.
Third-placed West Nicholson are at home to unpredictable Good Morning at Phelandaba Stadium.
Gwanda Pirates are on the road against an in-form Sabi Gold Mine at the Sabi Stadium in Zvishavane.
Fixtures
Saturday
Dulibadzimu v Super Strikers, Sabi Gold Mine v Gwanda Pirates, West Nicholson v Good Morning, Matobo v Vhembe Stars Academy, Kwekwe United v Shabanie, Tongogara v Grain Tigers
Sunday:
Chapungu v MSU, Shurugwi v ZRP Gwanda, FC Platinum U19 v Blanket Mine
ZIFA Central Region Soccer League Log
