Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
ZIMBABWE’S speedy winger, Talent Chawapiwa, was part of the proceedings when DStv Premiership side Amazulu made history by clinching a 2022 CAF Champions League spot, following a 1-0 win over Swallows on Wednesday.
Chawapiwa started for Usuthu who notched up the crucial win courtesy of a second half penalty that was converted by Tapelo Xoki.
Fellow countryman, Butholezwe Ncube, was on the bench and came on for Xola Mlambo in the 77th minute while Chawapiwa made way for Augustine Mulenga in the 62nd minute.
Amazulu, who are coached by Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy, moved to 53 points, four ahead of third placed Orlando Pirates with one game left in the season.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Usuthu, who had won one of their seven matches and were battling relegation when McCarthy was appointed in December.
This will be their first ever appearance in Africa’s elite club football competition.
It was not so rosy for Warriors’ vice-captain, Ovidy Karuru, whose side Black Leopards were relegated from the top flight after a 3-1 defeat against Eric Tinkler’s Cape Town City on Wednesday.
Leopards have 22 points, four behind Chippa United after 29 rounds of action.
Karuru played 90 minutes but could not help his side from sliding down to the second tier.
Veteran midfielder, Willard Katsande, played 82 minutes as Kaizer Chiefs eased their worries with a 3-2 comeback win over Golden Arrows to move into ninth position.
It was Arthur Zwane’s first game in charge since Gavin Hunt’s departure.
DStv Premiership results
Amazulu 1-0 Swallows
Bloemfontein Celtic 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Cape Town City 3-1 Black Leopards
Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 Golden Arrows
Stellenbosch 0-0 TS Galaxy
SuperSport United 2-0 Maritzburg
TTM 0-0 Chippa United
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter