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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
AN epic Southern Region Soccer League Bulawayo derby is on the cards at Luveve Stadium this afternoon when former Premiership side Bantu Rovers take on pre-season favourites Bulawayo City.
Two points separate the two teams with City in third position on 20 points after 10 games while Rovers are placed fourth.
With Premiership action on a two-week break, a good crowd is expected at Luveve Stadium for what should be an exciting encounter.
The ambitious municipal side is targeting promotion into the Premiership and is hard-pressed to collect maximum points while Rovers are on a rebuilding exercise.
However, Bulawayo City coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube downplayed his team’s championship hopes saying their target is to be consistent performers.
“I think it’s early days to talk about the championship because if you look, all the top seven teams are mathematically in the title race. We have competitive teams in the league and for that reason there are no clear favourites. What is important is to be consistent week in, week out and create formidable combinations,” said Ncube.
The 2009 Premiership Coach of the Year anticipates a tough game against Rovers.
“Bantu Rovers seem to have found their rhythm and I think it’s going to be a tough but exciting game. We are ready for them and my boys are raring to go,” he said.
Attacking linkman Humphrey “Muchichwa” Ncube, the league leading goal scorer, is expected to lead City’s attack.
The city council bankrolled club will bank on their experienced players that include goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda, central defenders Bruce Tshuma and Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda, Makhosi Ncube, Innocent Kutsanzira and right winger Trevor Ndlovu.
Their speed merchants, strikers Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda and Mkhululi Moyo are expected to harass the Rovers backline.
Rovers coach Johannes Ngodzo said they are ready for Bulawayo City.
“To be honest we are not at a level that we would like to see ourselves at but we are happy that we are improving with every passing game. Remember at the beginning of the season we said we are giving youngsters a chance to prove their worth and that is the path we are taking. The boys are trying to deal with the physical demands of the league but we are happy with their progress,” Ngodzo said.
“We respect Bulawayo City because they have a good technical team and experienced players but we are not going to give them three points on a silver platter. They have to sweat for the points and we will not just sit back and let them come at us.”
The youngsters to watch out for at Bantu Rovers are Gladman Bharibhari, Onwell Gombami, national Under-17 midfielder Denzel Khumalo and Bukhosi “Zakhu” Sibanda.
Despite being under 20 years, Bukhosi and Khumalo have Premiership experience having been part of Rovers’ squad in the topflight last season.
Former Railstars and Highlanders striker Lenience “Qobho” Mpofu, Moses Majika, Zibusiso Hadebe and Zephaniah Ngodzo are some of seasoned players expected to guide the youngsters against City.
In other matches, table toppers ZPC Hwange welcome army side Indlovu Iyanyathela at Chakona Stadium fully aware that defeat or a draw could see them surrender the top spot should City or Bulawayo Chiefs win.
Bulawayo Chiefs travel to Hwange tomorrow for a date with Amagagasi while the Mpumalanga and Ntabazinduna tie has been moved to Wednesday due to the latter’s involvement in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Games.
Fixtures
Today: Technosphere v Old Nic Mine (Hwange), Bantu Rovers v Bulawayo City (Luveve), Black Boots v Nust (Fair Bridge), ZPC Hwange v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Chakona), Trumus v Casmyn (Victoria Falls)
Tomorrow: Makomo v Hwange Juniors (Chakona), Amagagasi v Bulawayo Chiefs (Victoria Falls)
Wednesday, June 17: Mpumalanga v Ntabazinduna (Hwange)
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