Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
CHIPANGANO coach Njabulo Dube says they will not take their foot off the pedal as the Pacific Breeze Zifa Southern Region Soccer League title race enters its decisive stage.
Hwange reclaimed pole position last weekend after Talen Vision had briefly taken over top spot a fortnight ago.
The Filabusi-based side, which appears to have lost steam following the departure of Mkhuphali Masuku two months ago, had until recently been the only unbeaten side in the title race.
However, consecutive defeats — a 5-3 loss to Bulawayo Warriors followed by a 2-1 defeat to Khami United — have seen the coal miners move to the top of the table.
Khami United, coached by Morris Mukwiti, added to Talen Vision’s woes with the 2-1 victory, while Hwange benefited from a walkover after Mosi Rovers withdrew from the league citing financial challenges.
Clubs scheduled to play Mosi Rovers have subsequently been awarded maximum points and a 3-0 scoreline.
Hwange, who had suffered a home defeat to Talen Vision earlier in the campaign, now lead the standings on 60 points, three ahead of Vision, who have 57.
Dube said the team was determined to maintain its momentum and finally deliver Premiership football to their supporters.
“There is still so much to fight for. We will not take our feet off the pedal, we need to do well in all our matches and ensure we wrap up this year’s championship. Our supporters have been waiting for far too long for Premiership action at the Colliery.
“The morale is high and the boys are hungry for success, come weekend we want to play well against Zimbabwe Saints at Chakona and inch closer to glory. We are not taking any match lightly, we will take them with caution and play to win. All is okay in our camp and we look forward to a good game against Saints,” said Dube.
Khami United’s victory over Talen Vision further strengthened Hwange’s position at the summit.
Mukwiti has recently collected notable scalps, including victories over Hwange and Blackrock, who were still riding high after their Munhumutapa Challenge Cup third-round victories over Dynamos and Highlanders.
However, the Khami United coach is refusing to get carried away, insisting that teamwork remains the foundation of their campaign.
“We are a modest club with boys eager to fight for the badge and their own careers. The morale is right up there and we will continue to take each game as it comes with a view of a better finish at the end,” said Mukwiti.
Khami United are ninth on the log with 36 points.
Talen Vision will this weekend face Vic Falls Herentals at Chiefs Village at noon, while Bulawayo Warriors take on Aqua Stars at the same venue later in the day.
Zifa has scheduled the matches involving the leading contenders at the same time in an effort to promote fair play and eliminate any suspicions of match manipulation.
On Sunday, third-placed Jordan will be looking to strengthen their position when they face fourth-placed Nkayi United at White City.
Jordan were held to a goalless draw by Bosso90 in Filabusi last weekend and will be hoping to return to winning ways against Nkayi United.
With 54 points, Jordan remain within touching distance of the leading pair and will be hoping Hwange and Talen Vision drop points this weekend.
Fixtures
Saturday
Talen Vision v Vic Falls Herentals — Chiefs Village
Bulawayo Warriors v Aqua Stars — Chiefs Village
Zebra Revolution v Khami United — White City B
Bosso90 v Imbizo — White City B
Blackrock v Megawatt — Sinderella
Hwange v Zimbabwe Saints — Chakona
Sunday
Nkayi United v Jordan — White City
Bulawayo City v Njube Spurs
