Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
PREMIER Soccer League is returning to the mining town of Hwange but what is not yet certain is which football club is bringing back topflight football.
Hwange FC and ZPC Hwange are the front runners to win the Southern Region Division One league with five games remaining.
The coal-miners, who have made it no secret they want to make a quick return to topflight football are top of the log with 75 points while ZPC Hwange are second with 70 points.
In those five remaining games, the two sides are set to clash at Ingagula Stadium in a match that might decide the title destiny.
Chipangano recently appointed Try Ncube as their substantive coach. The head coach post fell vacant after Bongani Mafu left the club to join Ngezi Platinum Stars in March. The club has been under the tutelage of Edmore Sibanda and Chipangano legend Obert “Cobra” Moyo.
Hwange FC registered a 1-0 victory over Mountain Climbers at White City Stadium while fellow championship contenders ZPC Hwange won 2-0 over Bosso90 at Luveve Stadium at the weekend.
Ncube is not new to tight races in the Division One league as he was in charge when Bulawayo City won promotion ahead of Talen Vision in 2019.
Ncube says his side cannot afford to relax because they enjoy a five point lead.
“I am settling well. I found the team on fire, my job is just to continue with the good job these guys have been doing,” said Ncube.
“It’s still game on in the league race and its not easy. We have a five point lead but we cannot afford to relax. All the teams we are playing are fighting to overtake us.
“The games are not easy for us and remember we are still to play ZPC Hwange so we have to remain focused and not take anything to chance,” he added.
Speaking after the side’s victory against Bosso 90, the ZPC Hwange coach Njabulo Dube said:
“We are ready for the next games against Ajax. The boys are motivated to keep on winning since we are in the race. We want to have a strong finish.
Arenel Movers, occupants of third spot were beaten 2-1 by CIWU to remain on 63 points.
Fourth-placed Talen Vision continued to cement their position, coming out 2-1 victors over Mainline in Plumtree to pick up their 18th win of the season.
Lizwe Sweswe’s men are now just two points from Arenel. — @innocentskizoe
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter