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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
COVETED Bulawayo Chiefs’ winger Ishmael Wadi is likely to play his last Southern Region Soccer League game tomorrow against Ntabazinduna.
Wadi, who joined Chiefs at the beginning of the year from Harare’s Black Mambas, is being pursued by Premiership sides Highlanders and Chicken Inn.
The speedy winger trained with Highlanders at White City Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Chiefs coach Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda said they have started preparing for life without Wadi.
“As a coach, I’m happy that the players we’re using in the lower league are attracting topflight clubs. Wadi is one of the few exceptional talents in Division One and we have been lucky to have him in our squad. Because of interest shown by Highlanders and Chicken Inn, we’re preparing for life without him, and I’m sure we will be able to continue playing well even after his departure,” said Sibanda.
He declined to state whether Bosso and Chiefs had reached an agreement over Wadi’s move.
“What I know is that Chiefs have never stood in the way of a player who wants to move. However, In Wadi’s case, the executive is dealing with the matter,” he said.
On their assignment against Ntabazinduna, Sibanda said they’re braced for an intriguing encounter.
Chiefs are second on the league table on 30 points, a rung below leaders Bulawayo City, who enjoy a superior goal difference.
Ntabazinduna go into the match still smarting from a 0-3 rout at the hands of City last weekend.
The prison warders are sixth on the table with 23 points, but could be further adrift of the leading pack if they lose to Chiefs.
Ntabazinduna need to keep a close eye on Wadi, June top goal scorer Kundishora Chakanyuka, Mhleli Sibanda and Desire Shumbanhete, who form Chiefs’ attack.
The Agent Sawu coached Ntabazinduna have equally dangerous players, such as Joshua Wilson, Hillary Mavela, James Chivasa and Brazy Sibanda, to bank on.
In another encounter, City are tipped to easily collect maximum points and pile more misery on Old Nic Mine when the two sides square off at Killarney.
Old Nic Mine lost their last game 0-2 to Chiefs and could find City’s firepower too much to handle.
City’s scorers against Ntabazinduna, Humphrey “Muchichwa” Ncube, captain Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda and Makhosi Ncube are among the seasoned players expected to start tomorrow.
ZPC Hwange and Makomo square off in a coalmining town derby, while surprise package Casmyn will be away to Nust and ex-Premiership side Bantu Rovers face Technosphere.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Bantu Rovers v Technosphere (White City), Nust v Casmyn (Nust), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Hwange Juniors (Brad Barracks), Ntabazinduna v Bulawayo Chiefs (Ntabazinduna), Old Nic Mine v Bulawayo City (Old Nic Mine), ZPC Hwange v Makomo (Hwange), Trumus v Makomo (Victoria Falls)
Sunday: Amagagasi v Mpumalanga (Victoria Falls)
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