Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NKAYI United cemented their place at the top of the Zifa Southern Region Division One League table this weekend with a 2-0 victory over Imbizo, as their closest rivals Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange also secured wins to keep the title race highly contested.
Nkayi United’s victory ensured they remained top of the log with 31 points from 14 matches.
Nkayi United played their game on Friday afternoon before Bulawayo Chiefs responded with a gritty 2-1 win over Bulawayo City at the same venue on Saturday.
Chiefs stay just one point behind the leaders, maintaining the pressure in what is shaping into a fierce three-way title race.
Hwange, who played on Saturday, also collected maximum points with a 2-0 home win against NUST.
The result sees them stay in chasing third place with 27 points and within reach of the leading pack.
Elsewhere, Bosso 90 suffered a huge 4-0 defeat at the hands of Bulawayo Warriors at White City Stadium B-Arena.
Warriors got their goals from Adonis Nyoni, Ricarldo Sibanda who got a goal apiece while John Ngwenya scored a brace.
Nkayi United’s form has been particularly impressive, winning all their matches in June and continuing that streak into July.
Their strong performances were further acknowledged with individual accolades: defender Moreblessing Ernesto was named Player of the Month, while coach Dan Ndlovu was awarded Coach of the Month after guiding the team through a perfect June.
Elsewhere, Victoria Falls Herentals FC’s Anesu Dara was named Goalkeeper of the Month, while Mainline striker Mthokozisi Dube took the Top Goalscorer award with three goals in June.
With just one point separating Nkayi and Chiefs, and Hwange lurking close behind, the race for promotion remains wide open as the season heads into its critical stages.
Zifa Southern Region Division One Results
Nkayi United 2-0 Mbizo, Bulawayo City 1-2 Bulawayo Chiefs, Hwange 2-0 Nust, Talen Vision 3-0 Zebra Revolution, Victoria Falls Herentals 2 – 1 Jordan, Bulawayo Warriors 4-0 Bosso 90, Eagle Life 1-0 MegaWatt
