Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMISELENI Moyo, now in his first coaching job back home in Zimbabwe, says he’s adjusting to life in the ZIFA Southern Region Division One and enjoying the process of building something special with Eagle Life FC.
The former Zesco United and Zanaco leftback, who made his name in Zambia’s Premier League and also featured in Caf Champions League football, admits things are done differently here, but he’s up for the challenge.
“It’s been quite a challenge, especially with the approach. Zambia is a bit more professional, so there are many adjustments to make,” said Moyo.
Despite the hurdles, Moyo says he’s embraced the opportunity to coach in Zimbabwe, where his football journey started. He holds a Caf B Licence and spent the last three years coaching in Zambia after a solid playing career.
At home, Moyo had brief spells with Railstars and Motor Action before a chance encounter in Johannesburg changed everything. Spotted by a Zambian player while featuring at the Bruma Grounds in Eastgate, he got recommended for a move up north, and never looked back, becoming one of Zambia’s best left backs at his peak.
Now, back in Bulawayo, Moyo is helping Eagle Life improve tactically and mentally, with initiatives rarely seen at this level.
“There’s now behind the scenes work helping the boys improve every day. We’re doing video analysis weekly, which is not common in Division One,” said Moyo. “It’s helping them understand cognitive processes, so they learn to get better.”
He credits Bishop Blessing Chiza for supporting his vision. Chiza has provided gym access, met most of the club’s equipment needs, and even moved the team from the exposed Eveline High School grounds, where opponents could easily spy on their tactics.
“Settling down here has been made easier by the support I’m getting from the bishop,” he added.
Moyo described his players as “a squad of youngsters hungry for success” and believes they’re beginning to show their potential. On Sunday, Eagle Life beat Ajax Hotspurs 3-1 to move to 15 points. Dumolwenkosi Khumalo scored a brace with two headed goals, while Masimba Kwatara added the third. Ricky Sibanda got Ajax’s consolation.
While Moyo’s rebuild continues, Nkayi United’s surprise title push has stolen the headlines.
Coached by Dan Ndlovu and assisted by former Warriors midfielder Chipo Tsodzo, Nkayi surged to the top of the Zifa Southern Region table with a 3-1 win over Bosso 90 at White City Stadium on Saturday.
They went into the weekend trailing then leaders Bulawayo Chiefs by a point. But with Tinotenda Chitete continuing his scoring form, alongside James Chivasa and Moreblessing Ernesto, Nkayi now top the log with 28 points, one ahead of Chiefs.
Mthabisi Ncube scored for Bosso 90, who slipped to sixth.
Seven teams are still in the mix, separated by just seven points. Blackrock, Hwange, Bulawayo Warriors, Bosso 90 and Mainline of Plumtree all have 21 points, adding tension to a league where margins are razor thin.
Chiefs and Hwange drew 1-1 in a tightly contested match. Mandlenkosi Gasela scored what could be the season’s fastest goal, just 35 seconds in, but Lewis Milanzi equalised midway through the first half.
That draw opened the door for Nkayi to seize top spot and they didn’t miss.
Weekend Results:
Zebra Revolution 2-0 Bulawayo City
Bosso 90 1-3 Nkayi United
Bulawayo Chiefs 1-1 Hwange
Megawatt 0-0 Victoria Falls Herentals
Imbizo 1-0 Blackrock
Jordan Sinott 1-2 Mainline
Casmyn 0-1 Talen Vision
Nust 0-0 Bulawayo Warriors
Top Eight Standings (after 13 matches):
Team P W D L F A Pts Nkayi United 13 8 4 1 20 6 28 Byo Chiefs 13 8 3 2 23 5 27 Hwange 13 7 3 3 21 8 24 Blackrock 13 7 2 4 11 5 23 Byo Warriors 13 6 3 4 13 5 21 Bosso 90 13 6 3 4 12 10 21 Mainline 13 6 3 4 16 20 21 Byo City 13 5 4 4 14 12 19
