Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORGET the script. What was billed as a predictable two-horse race is now turning into a full blown stampede. The Zifa Southern Region Division One League has ripped up the form book, with underdogs like Nkayi United, Casmyn and Black Rock storming into contention and veteran analyst, Bonweyinkosi Sithole says the drama is Just beginning.
Sithole has dismissed the notion that the race is already a closed affair.
“I wouldn’t say it’s going to be a two-horse race,” Sithole said.
“Yes, pundits point to experience, but football has its surprises. There are teams coming into form at just the right time, and this league will go down to the wire. Chiefs and Hwange have experience, but they will not have things easy.”
After nine rounds of action, Hwange FC sit top with 20 points, but their 1–1 draw away to Eagle Life exposed signs of vulnerability.
Bulawayo Chiefs, who led early in the season, suffered a shock 2–1 home defeat to an inspired Nkayi United, surrendering their lead in the process.
Now under coach Bekithemba Ndlovu, following the departure of Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe, Chiefs have struggled for consistency, winning only two of their last five matches. Meanwhile, Nkayi United have surged to third on the table with 16 points, just four behind leaders Hwange, and remain unbeaten since the early rounds.
James Chivasa’s volley, already touted as a Goal of the Season contender, sealed Nkayi’s famous win over Chiefs, underscoring their growing stature as genuine title challengers.
Also on 16 points are Casmyn and Black Rock, both making quiet but significant progress. Casmyn edged Zebra Revolution 2–1 at the weekend, continuing their resurgence. Black Rock, led by former Highlanders FC midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa, came from behind to beat Bulawayo Warriors 2–1, courtesy of goals from Francis Chulu and Tholumusa Ndebele.
“Teams like Casmyn and Nkayi are no longer here to just add numbers. They’re here to compete. Look at Bulawayo City losing at home to Mainline. This season has no room for complacency,” said Sithole.
Indeed, Mainline FC also drew with Chiefs recently, before stunning Bulawayo City with a narrow 1–0 win, denting City’s hopes of re-joining the top contenders.
Bosso90 remain within touching distance in seventh after a 1–0 win over Imbizo, with goalkeeper Romeo Zimba converting from the spot.
With five teams within four points of the summit, the Southern Region Division One League is shaping up to be one of the most competitive campaigns in recent memory.
As Sithole puts it:
“We are in for the treat of a lifetime. Forget a two horse race, this is a full stampede.”
Weekend Fixtures
Friday
Hwange v Bulawayo Warriors (Chakona)
Saturday
MegaWatt v Zebra Revolution (Chakona), Black Rock v Bosso 90 (Cinderella), Casmyn v Ajax Hotspurs (Turk Mine), Jordan FC v Nust FC (Mthwakazi), Imbizo v Bulawayo City (Llewellyn), Mainline v Eagle Life (Dingumuzi), Nkayi United v Talen Vision (White City Stadium)
Sunday
Vic Falls City Herentals v Bulawayo Chiefs (Chinotimba Stadium)
Bongani Ndlovu