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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Saints’ resurgence continued when they edged Bantu Rovers 1-0 in a Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League match at Luveve Stadium at the weekend. A first minute goal from Forward Choko for Zimbabwe Saints began Bantu’s woes. Former Highlander juniors coach Mark Mathe continues to improve Zimbabwe Saints’ fortunes as they are now sixth on the log standings.
However, their win against Bantu Rovers didn’t impress the new gaffer as he felt they played below-par and was not convinced with his team’s effort.
“It was a tough game, we didn’t play according to our standards, but I’m happy with the points, as well as that the boys showed team effort against determined Bantu,” said Mathe.
The former Premiership side has suffered back-to-back losses as they lost to Mkhosana the previous weekend before being stunned by Zimbabwe Saints over the weekend which marked their seventh loss of the season.
Bantu Rovers coach Johannes Ngodzo fielded new signings – veteran Chipo Tsodzo, Fortune Ncube, Thulani Gumede and Master Mlangeni.
Bantu Rovers spokesman Wilbert Sibanda praised the new signings and is confident that team will turn its fortunes around in the second half campaign.
“We are worried as it was one of those days where you play well but the results don’t go your way, we want to fix mistakes and bounce back stronger in the second half, because we haven’t lost hope yet,” said Sibanda.
Southern Region championship favourites Bulawayo Chiefs took advantage of second placed Black Boots’ slip up to open a nine-point lead on top of the log standings.
Bulawayo Chiefs defeated fourth placed Quelaton 1-0 to continue their quest for Premiership next season.
Black Boots faced a setback in the chase for a championship crown as they played a goalless draw with Bulawayo Jumbos.
Tsholotsho edged ZPC Hwange 1-0 to close the gap on second placed Black Boots while Mkhosana beat Ajax Hotspurs 1-0.
Results
Quelaton 0, Bulawayo Chiefs 1; ZPC Hwange 0, Tsholotsho 1; Technosphere 0, Hwange Juniors 0; Bulawayo Jumbos 0, Black Boots 0; New West 2, Mpumalanga 0; Ntabazinduna 0, Rufaro Rovers 0; Ajax Hotspurs 0, Mkhosana 1; Bantu Rovers 0, Zimbabwe Saints 1.
Log Standings
CLUB P W D L F A PTS
Bulawayo Chiefs 15 12 1 2 25 6 37
Black Boots 15 7 7 1 22 10 28
Tsholotsho 15 7 5 3 17 10 26
Quelaton 15 8 1 6 21 21 25
Technosphere 15 7 3 5 18 12 24
Zim Saints 15 7 3 5 21 18 24
New West 15 7 2 6 20 18 23
Bantu Rovers 15 7 1 7 14 13 22
ZPC Hwange 15 5 6 4 22 14 21
Hwange U20 15 5 6 4 14 13 21
Mkhosana 15 5 2 8 11 23 17
Ajax Hotspurs 15 5 1 9 12 21 16
Mpumalanga 15 3 5 7 12 19 14
Bulawayo Jumbos 15 3 3 9 10 22 12
Rufaro Rovers 15 3 3 9 9 21 12
Ntabazinduna 15 2 5 8 6 13 11
Bongani Ndlovu