Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NKAYI United are tearing up the script in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league.
Once written off as underdogs, the team now sits on top of the table with 34 points from 15 matches, leaving more fancied former topflight clubs like Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange in their wake.
Backed by Kingdom Blue Funerals, Nkayi United have made their intentions clear: they want Premier Soccer League football next season. And if their recent performances are anything to go by, that dream is well within reach.
Their latest statement came in a gritty 2-1 comeback win away to Victoria Falls Herentals. After falling behind early, they rallied and snatched the victory with a late goal from Tino Machefu, keeping them at the summit for the third straight week. While Nkayi kept rolling, their rivals faltered.
Bulawayo Chiefs were held to a goalless draw by Jordan FC on a rough Filabusi surface, and Hwange could only manage a 1-1 draw against Blackrock FC.
Most fans and analysts had predicted a two-horse race between Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange. Nkayi
United weren’t even in the conversation. But week by week, they’ve changed the story.
They’ve combined consistency with grit, boasting nine clean sheets and scoring in every game so far, a rare feat at this level. That balance of strong defending and attacking efficiency has turned them into serious contenders.
Football analyst Bonweyinkosi Sithole credits Nkayi’s rise to their structure and steady development.
“It’s proving to be difficult for some teams to keep up with the leading pack,” said Sithole. “With high expectations from some teams, things may go way wide for some, and come end of the season we might be in for a surprise.
I think this year’s league might have a surprise come end of the season. Nkayi are seriously putting their name out there and this is their second season.
I’m thinking they have learnt the ropes of competing in such a league, and arguably they do have seasoned players.”
Sithole pointed to their defensive strength as a major factor.
“I would point out that their defence has been resolute. Their goalkeeper has kept nine clean sheets so far, and they are scoring in every game, which is what is needed in such competitions.
Nkayi is the team to watch this season, no wonder why they seem to be grabbing much attention,” he said.
He didn’t hold back on the struggles of their higher profile rivals.
“The ‘accidentally in Division One’ slogan pushers (Bulawayo Chiefs) will need more than just social media prowess to get a ticket back into the top flight.
It’s proving to be a difficult task for them so far, but hopefully the script will favour them come end of season.
Hwange as well are not so convincing this season. Having signed quite a number of experienced players, they seem to be not jellying well to bring out the much-needed results.”
Praise Dumie Dhlakama, another respected voice in local football, applauded Nkayi’s technical bench for bringing discipline and structure to the team.
“They have a strong technical team. Daniel Ndlovu is an experienced coach who particularly knows how to work with strikers, especially from his heyday when he groomed players like Thabani Masawi.
With him working alongside another good coach, Chipo Tsodzo, and Khonzani Ncube, they can be considered technically sound,” said Dhlakama.
She also praised the squad depth and how the team has been built across all departments.
“They have assembled a strong side, with each department having two equally good players. The depth at Nkayi United is impressive. If they maintain their consistency, they have a good chance of going all the way.”
Still, she noted one concern:
“My only concern is the lack of experienced players with Division One football experience, which I consider crucial for getting teams promoted. It also remains to be seen whether they will be able to retain some of their outstanding players, such as Grant Chigwenhese, Moreblessing Ernesto, Nhlanhla Pfumapano, Tino Chitete, and Leroy Ndlovu, among others. However, they do have strong replacements. Defensively, they are a solid unit anchored by goalkeeper Delron Chuma.”
Elsewhere in the league, the title race remains unpredictable. Bulawayo Chiefs’ draw with Jordan FC was a stumble that cost them momentum.
Hwange’s result against Blackrock, who are quietly building under coach Mthulisi Maphosa, was another missed opportunity. Bulawayo Warriors also dropped points after being held by Mainline FC at Dingumuzi Stadium in Plumtree.
At the opposite end of the table, basement side Nust FC delivered the weekend’s biggest shock, edging Zebra Revolution 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at White City Stadium.
With just over half the season gone, the picture is becoming clearer. Nkayi United aren’t fluking it.
They’re organised, motivated, and grounded in their community, even though they play home games in Bulawayo. Their belief is turning heads.
They’ve gone from being dismissed as outsiders to dictating the tempo of the promotion race.
If this run continues, Nkayi could become the first team from their district to ever play in the Premier Soccer League. It would be a landmark achievement, and one that now feels more and more likely each week.
Zifa Southern Region Division One Fixtures:
Bulawayo Warriors v Jordan FC (White City B-Arena)
Nust FC v Casmyn (Nust Stadium)
Bosso 90 v Zebra Revolution (White City B-Arena)
Bulawayo City v Ajax Hotspurs Movers (White City Stadium)
Bulawayo Chiefs v Blackrock FC (Chiefs Village)
Hwange v Mbizo (Colliery)
Eagle Life v Vic Falls City Herentals (Raylton)
Talen Vision v Megawatt (Mthwakazi)
Nkayi United v Mainline FC (White City Stadium
