Hippo Valley lose to South Downs

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
HIPPO Valley were handed their first defeat of the season in the Zifa Eastern Region Soccer League by Chipinge-based South Downs. However, the Moses Bambo coached team remained on pole position despite the loss. The Premier League aspirants were stunned by Pyswell Madhlazi’s 50th minute strike to stop Bambo’s fine run. South Downs coach Johannes Nhumwa becomes the first coach to beat the highly rated Hippo Valley this season. In a telephone interview, Chunga said his side was not shocked by the defeat.

“In football that is expected and losing is not a new phenomenon. We will rise again and collect the remaining points. The loss is a wake up call for us,” he said.

Hippo Valley have 40 points and are 10 points ahead of second placed Mutare City Rovers from the same number of games. City posted a 1-0 victory in a local derby over Mutare Polytechnic. Ruwa United who are third on the log shared spoils with Surrey Abbatoirs while Masvingo United and ZRP Masvingo drew one all in another derby played at Mucheke Stadium.

Results at a glance

Acturus 3-1 Mkwasine, Tenax 5-2 Renco Mine, Ruwa United 0-0 Surrey Abattoirs, South Downs 1-0 Hippo Valley, Rimbi Sunshine 1-1 Gaza Gunners, ZRP Masvingo 1-1 Masvingo United, Grain Masters 0-Mwenezana (walk over) Mutare Poly 0-1 Mutare City Rovers.