Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HWANGE coach Rodwell Dhlakama says it is a mockery for the club and the entire coal mining community to be playing in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league.
They belong to the country’s top-flight league, he said.
Hwange, who were relegated from the Premiership last season, had to dig deep to get a 1-0 victory over Ajax Hotspurs Movers on Saturday at White City Stadium.
The victory meant they reduced the gap at the top of the Southern Region Division One league table to two points.
This is after Bulawayo Chiefs dropped points on the road, losing 1-0 to Megawatt, the first defeat for Chiefs this season.
As things stand, Bulawayo Chiefs are on top of the table with 15 points, two ahead of Chipangano.
Casmyn, in third place, are on 12 points.
Hwange’s late winner, which allowed them to earn their first away win, will be crucial in the title race.
“Obviously the expectation is there. Hwange are not a small team. They are a big team with a huge history. Playing in Division One is a mockery for the brand Hwange FC and the Hwange community at large. It’s an open secret that Hwange has to return to the top-flight league,” said Dhlakama.
“However, the competition will be stiff. It will not be a walk in the park because this is a very competitive league.”
Hwange have experience in their ranks in the form of the likes of Dominic Chungwa, Pritchard Mpelele, Winston Mhango, and Kelly Shiyandandi.
This could be a race between Hwange and Bulawayo Chiefs.
Both teams were demoted from the top-flight league last season.
Bulawayo Chiefs only retained nine players, with the club releasing a host of regulars, including Lucky Ndlela, Mduduzi Maseko, and Migoz Svinurayi, in a bid to refresh the squad.
The club was active in the transfer market, bringing in key signings to boost their promotion bid.
Midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe re-joined from Zebra Revolution while forward Tatenda Ushe, who netted 15 goals last season, adds firepower to the frontline.
Former Dynamos winger, Arthur Musiyiwa, and defender Malvin Mkolo from Simba Bhora are also among the new recruits.
Others include goalkeeper Matripples Muleya from TelOne and defenders Polite Mwenda and Gabriel Dlodlo.
Results
Ajax Hotspurs Movers 0-1 Hwange, Megawatt 1-0 Bulawayo Chiefs, Mainline 4-1 Imbizo, Casmyn 1-0 Eagle Life, Zebra Revolution 0-3 Bulawayo Warriors, Nust 0-1 Talen Vision
