Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE coalfields of Hwange are set to erupt this Friday as title chasing Hwange FC lock horns with Bulawayo Warriors in a crunch Zifa Southern Region Division One showdown at Chakona Ground.
With just one loss in nine matches, Chipangano have surged to the top of the table with 20 points, making them the team to beat in this season’s fierce promotion race. Now, they face a stern test in Bulawayo Warriors as they chase a quick return to the Premier Soccer League.
The miners were pegged back last weekend with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Eagle Life FC, only their second stalemate of the campaign, but their momentum remains intact.
Meanwhile, second placed Bulawayo Chiefs are plotting a bounce back after a shock 2-1 loss to Nkayi United. They travel to Victoria Falls this Saturday for a tricky assignment against Victoria Falls City Herentals at Chinotimba Stadium.
The Chiefs, captained by former Warriors, FC Platinum, and Bulawayo City stalwart Kelvin Madzongwe, are just a point behind Hwange. Madzongwe was recently crowned Zifa Southern Region Division One May Player of the Month, and he’s determined to lead his side to glory.
“We know what’s at stake,” said Madzongwe. “Every game from here is a final. We’re hungry and we’ll fight till the end.”
Over at White City Stadium, third-placed Nkayi United, also on 16 points, battle Talen Vision in what promises to be a fiery encounter. They’re joined on the same points tally by Casmyn and Blackrock. Casmyn host Ajax Hotspurs at Turk Mine while Blackrock face a determined Bosso90 outfit at Cinderella.
Bosso90 are level on 15 points with Bulawayo City, who head into combat against Imbizo at Llewellin Barracks in yet another high stakes duel.
Further down the ladder, Megawatt FC will hope to electrify Chakona when they take on Zebra Revolution, coached by former national team forward Mkhokheli Dube.
In the relegation zone, second from bottom Jordan Sinnot host rock bottom Nust FC at Filabusi’s Mthwakazi Stadium in a battle for survival.
Here’s how the Zifa Southern Region Division One Week 10 fixtures line up:
Friday: Hwange v Bulawayo Warriors (Chakona)
Saturday: Victoria Falls City Herentals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Chinotimba), Nkayi United v Talen Vision (White City Stadium), Casmyn v Ajax Hotspurs (Turk Mine), Imbizo v Bulawayo City (Llewellin), Megawatt v Zebra Revolution (Chakona), Mainline v Eagle Life (Dingumuzi), Jordan Sinnot v Nust (Mthwakazi Stadium, Filabusi), Blackrock v Bosso90 (Cinderella)
