Sidumisile Mabena
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
WAREHOUSE Distributors are setting the early pace in the Bulawayo Corporates Social Soccer League after maintaining their flawless start with an emphatic victory over Hope.
The log leaders powered to a convincing 4-1 win, stretching their tally to 12 points from four matches and opening a gap at the summit. With 13 goals scored and only two conceded, Warehouse have emerged as the team to beat in the opening weeks of the campaign.
Hot on their heels are Value Gas, who secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Lonestar to move to 10 points. Their consistent performances continue to keep pressure on the leaders as the title race begins to take shape.
NUST Academy Stars kept their momentum going with a solid 2-0 victory against Proton, moving level on nine points with Simbisa, who remain third courtesy of a superior goal difference. Chibuku are also making a strong statement, sitting in the top five with a perfect record, albeit having played one match fewer.
Zimtile produced one of the most entertaining matches of the round, edging Evergold 3-2 in a five-goal thriller to climb up the standings, while Grills registered a narrow 1-0 win over ZETDC to stay competitive in the top half.
In another encounter, Speed Shipping were held to a 1-1 draw by Rydings Auto, with both sides settling for a point in a closely contested affair.
At the lower end of the table, Coca-Cola FC remain rooted at the bottom without a point after three matches and have struggled defensively, conceding the most goals so far. Evergold and Ostrich are also yet to find consistency as the season gathers momentum.
Bulawayo Corporates Social Soccer League chairperson Timothy Mandizadza praised the competitive nature of the league, saying the season has started on a high note.
“We are encouraged by the level of competition and commitment being shown by all teams. The matches have been exciting and closely contested, which is exactly what we want for the growth of corporate social football in Bulawayo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Speed Shipping coach, Allan “MaMkhwebu” Ndlovu said their task is to win and climb up the ladder.
“Of course every team wants to win. With us the goal is the same. Games are starting to liven up and we are ready to bring quality football,” he said.
Easter Weekend Fixtures:
Grills v Speed (Nkulumane Dairyboard), Coca-Cola v Overnight (Iminyela Grounds), Rydings Auto v Ostrich (Maboneng), NUST Academy Stars v Value Gas (Gwabalanda), Millenium FC v Zimtile FC (Mzilikazi Primary), Hope v Proton (Mambo Ground).
Online Reporter