Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
BULAWAYO Chiefs coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe is refusing to get carried away by his side’s impressive start to the Zifa Southern Region Division One League campaign, insisting it is still early days and that his team remains a work in progress.
Chiefs made it four wins from four with a commanding 4-0 victory over Eagle Life at Luveve Stadium on Saturday. Crispen Machisi netted a brace, while Bukhosi Sibanda and Arthur Musiyiwa added one apiece in a dominant display.
The win took Chiefs to 12 points at the top of the log, three ahead of second-placed Casmyn. Bulawayo City and Zebra Revolution are tied on nine points in third and fourth places respectively. Jongwe’s men have yet to concede a goal this season. Hwange, beaten 2-1 by Bulawayo City, sit in fifth place with seven points.
“I’m very happy for the boys. They have been working hard. We have been creating chances, and fortunately against Eagle Life, we managed to convert four of them. We have quality. I believe every player can perform when called upon, and today (Saturday) the substitutes gave us something extra. It’s still early in the season, but we’re pleased not to have conceded and to be on top of the table. We’re enjoying the momentum and want to keep it going. It’s a work in progress, but I think the people coming to watch us are enjoying the football we are playing,” said Jongwe.
Chiefs’ flying start follows a major squad overhaul after last season’s relegation. Only nine players were retained, with regulars such as Lucky Ndlela, Mduduzi Maseko, and Migoz Svinurayi shown the door as the club opted for a fresh start. Determined to bounce back to the top-flight league, Chiefs were active in the transfer market.
Midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe joined from Zebra Revolution, while forward Tatenda Ushe, who scored 15 goals last season, adds potency up front. Former Dynamos winger Arthur Musiyiwa, defender Malvin Mkolo from Simba Bhora, goalkeeper Matripples Muleya from TelOne, and defenders Polite Mwenda (Arenel) and Gabriel Dlodlo were also brought in.
Southern Region Division One
Week 4 Results
Bulawayo City 2-1 Hwange, Megawatt 0-0 Imbizo, Mainline 0-2 Black Rock, Bulawayo Chiefs 4-0 Eagle Life, Zebra Revolution 1-0 Vic Falls City, Jordan Sinnott 0-1 Casmyn, Ajax Movers 0-0 Nkayi United.
