Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA Southern Region boss Lloyd Munhanga says this year’s Division One League has been one of the most competitive campaigns he has overseen.
“Our league has been very competitive compared to any other season. Right now, it’s still a three-way championship race with no team guaranteed the top position,” said Munhanga.
Bulawayo Chiefs currently lead the standings, with Nkayi United in second and seasoned campaigners Hwange in third.
Munhanga confirmed that Ajax Hotspurs were expelled midway through the season after failing to fulfil their fixtures.
Ajax — once home to players like Scotland-based Peter Muduhwa and Mafios Chihweta — had returned to Division One after a South African businessman promised sponsorship for the 2025 season. However, those promises fell through.
The club had been relegated to Division Two last year, then took over the Arenel franchise when its sponsor withdrew.
Munhanga added that his board will meet with Eagle Life, who failed to travel to Hwange last Saturday, to establish what went wrong.
He noted that aside from the Ajax walkover and Eagle Life’s no-show, the league had run smoothly.
Bulawayo Chiefs, fresh from a 1–1 draw with Nkayi United at White City Stadium, now face Paul Moyo’s unpredictable Mainline at Chiefs Village on Saturday.
Backed by a brass band and the comfort of home turf, the log leaders have built a strong following.
The family-friendly atmosphere at their ground, just outside the city centre, has helped attract crowds.
However, last weekend’s match exposed a vulnerability. Chiefs took an early lead but conceded a textbook equaliser after Nkayi strung together more than six passes that sliced through Malvin Mkolo’s defence. Chiefs’ biggest strength remains their relentless probing through set pieces and counterattacks.
Mainline, ninth with 38 points, are no pushovers.
Their veteran coach has led top clubs in Zimbabwe and Botswana and is known for springing surprises. Chiefs, relegated from the Castle Lager Premiership last year, are desperate to bounce back and will need full focus to protect their favourites’ tag.
Nkayi United, just three points behind on 55, host bottom side Eagle Life at Raylton.
Only a miracle would prevent them from securing at least a draw. Hwange, third and still in the hunt, will rely on their ability to handle the intense heat at Colliery when they face Casmyn at home.
Hwange have stabilised under experienced coach Njabulo Dube following an early-season wobble after Rodwell Dhlakama’s departure. Strikers Mongameli Tshuma and Marcelline Mlilo carry the goal-scoring hopes in Saturday’s clash.
Saturday Fixtures
Hwange v Casmyn (Colliery), Eagle Life v Nkayi United (Raylton), Bulawayo Chiefs v Mainline (Chiefs Village), Bosso 90 v Vic Falls Herentals (White City B Arena), Byo Warriors v Bulawayo City (White City Stadium), Imbizo v Jordan Sinott (Lookout Masuku Barracks), Talen Vision v Blackrock (Mthwakazi, Filabusi), Nust v Megawatt (Nust)
Bongani Ndlovu