Hwange hopeful of title

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA Southern Region Division One title hopefuls Hwange ran riot in their 8-0 humiliation of table anchors NRZ Leopards to open a five-point lead.

The coalminers went into the weekend game leading second-placed Tsholotsho by three points, but the Zhwane Boys dropped two points after being held to a 0-0 draw by CIWU.

Courage Sibanda scored four goals for Hwange, with Canaan Nkomo, Craven Banda, Shepherd Gadzikwa and Ernest Gwitima getting a goal each, as Hwange moved to 56 points from 24 games.

Hwange coach, Nation Dube, was happy his side discovered their winning formula following a goalless draw against Talen Vision in Bulawayo a week earlier.

“It was a good performance that hinged on a game plan that was well executed. We wanted to run them down, tire them and maintain superior ball possession. This win is going to boost our confidence as we prepare for the remaining six tough games. The win also creates competition among our strikers,” said Dube.

Hwange are left with a local derby against army side Moto Moto, a home game against ZRP Bulawayo, an away trip to Bosso 90, a home game with Tsholotsho, a short trip to Mosi Rovers in Victoria Falls and cap the season with another derby against ZPC Hwange.

While Hwange were celebrating their big win, Tsholotsho were content with a point.

“It was a good game. CIWU fought hard. We missed the chances we created, but defended well. We will keep on working hard and make sure that we effectively compete till the last day of the season,” said Joseph Sibindi, the Tsholotsho coach.

Tsholotsho’s remaining matches are against Mainline (home), Makomo (away), Zim Leopards (home), Hwange (away), Toronto (home) and Casmyn (away).

Talen Vision moved a place up the table into fifth following a 2-0 win over Toronto. Grey Kufandada and Dingani Maphosa were on target for Talen Vision.

Results
Saturday: Casmyn 0-0 ZPC Hwange, Toronto 0-2 Talen Vision, Hwange 8-0 NRZ Leopards, Zim Leopards v Moto Moto (postponed), Makomo 1-1 ZRP Bulawayo Province

Sunday: Main Line 1-0 Bosso 90, Indlovu Iyanyathela 2-0 Mosi Rovers, CIWU 0-0 Tsholotsho
– @ZililoR