adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
A late equaliser by Vitalis Ncube saved the day for Tapela Ngwenya-coached Makomo as they held Southern Region Soccer League leaders Amagagasi to a 1-1 draw at Victoria Falls’ Chinotimba Stadium on Sunday. Amagagasi who had a subdued performance almost staged a smash and grab show through a goal from Nokel Security Southern Region Soccer League April Top Goal Scorer winner Lungile Nyathi.
The draw against table anchors left Amagagasi on 30 points from 13 outings, one ahead of ZPC Hwange who have played a game more than the league leaders and two in front of former Premiership club Bantu Rovers who have played 12 games.
ZPC Hwange dislodged Rovers from second position following their 2-0 away win against fifth placed Black Boots. The electricity generators got their goals from Tyson Muzamba and Morgan Nyoni.
Rovers survived some anxious moments as they were held to a 0-0 draw by ZRP Bulawayo and in the process slipped from second to third place with 28 points.
The former Premier Soccer League club can find themselves occupying position one by the end of tomorrow should they beat Ntabazinduna in a midweek fixture set for White City Stadium.
Rovers coach Johannes Ngodzo said they are bracing for a tough encounter against the prison warders.
“We respect Ntabazinduna like any other team in the league and we’re looking forward to an interesting game. I believe what is key for us let the boys enjoy their game, try to get that confidence back and probably return to winning ways. It won’t be an easy game against Ntabazinduna because they also play well,” Ngodzo said.
Rovers have gone for two games without a win, losing to Bulawayo Chiefs a fortnight ago and playing to a 0-0 draw against ZRP Bulawayo at the weekend. They had their match against ZRP Hwange cancelled last week as the police side’s players had pressing work commitments.
About a possibility of shooting to the top of the table tomorrow, Ngodzo said: “We’re not reading much going to the top of the table because doing so may only but destruct our vision which is to develop and build confidence in our young boys. We just want to give these Under-20 players game time and let them enjoy playing football.”
Rovers have a solid squad made up mostly Under-20 players with veterans like ex-national team, Highlanders and FC Platinum defender Zephaniah Ngodzo, Lindelani Vice Ncube, strikers Fortune Nkomazana and Joshua Wilson giving guidance to the youngsters.
Some of the Under-20 players that have been regulars in Ngodzo’s side include skipper and Young Warriors forward Bukhosi Sibanda, right back Lesley Lunga, midfield trio of Ben Munsaka, Munyaradzi Chitambwe and Denzel Khumalo as well as strikers Gladman Bharibhari and Obrey Chirinda.
Former How Mine and Highlanders’ central midfielder Edmore Muzanenhamo is one of the few Ntabazinduna players with Premiership experience expected to craft Rovers’ downfall.
Results
Saturday: Black Boots 0-2 ZPC Hwange(Tyson Muzamba, Morgan Nyoni), ZRP Bulawayo Province 0-0 Bantu Rovers, Talen Vision v Hwange Juniors (Postponed), ZRP Hwange v Casmyn (Postponed), Indlovu Iyanyathela 0-1 Bulawayo Chiefs (Moses Majika)
Sunday: Bosso 90 v Victoria Falls Tigers (Postponed), Technosphere 2-0 Ntabazinduna (Artwell Nyoni), Amagagasi 1-1 Makomo (Lungule Nyathi, Vitalis Ncube)
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Rovers v Ntabazinduna (White City), Talen Vision v Bosso 90 (Raylton), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Makomo (Fairbridge), Technosphere v Black Boots (Hwange)
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