adminRicky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Region Soccer League table toppers ZPC Hwange want to shrug off the perennial campaigners tag and maintain consistency as they target the title that will guarantee them a Premiership slot.The electricity generators fancy their promotional chances and today’s encounter against Bulawayo Chiefs presents them a chance to put to test their pedigree.
ZPC Hwange are unbeaten after six games and have amassed 14 points – one above Bulawayo Chiefs.Njabulo Dube, the ZPC Hwange coach spoke highly about his ambitious youngsters.
“This is a rare group of players who are determined to win at all costs and have been working hard to ensure that we get positive results. It is that zeal and ambition to play in the elite league that drives my boys and give them belief that they can do it (win the championship). It might be early days to talk about the championship but if we remain consistent we will go all the way,” Dube said.
ZPC Hwange have a clean bill of health coming to Bulawayo with hopes pinned on skipper Azele Kabwe, goalkeeper David Bizabani, Bongani Dube, Admire Banda and Israel Mukahanana who they got from defunct New West at the beginning of the season.
They have to brace for a tough encounter at Raylton Sports Club as Bulawayo Chiefs proved lethal in their last home encounter handing Makomo FC their first defeat courtesy of a 3-1 win.
Bulawayo Chiefs go into the match without influential winger Ishmael Wadi, nursing an ankle injury leaving Mkhululi Dube, Mhleli Sibanda, Kundishora Chakanyuka, Joseph Mutambiranwa and Ashton Mhlanga to lead their attack.
Thulani Sibanda, Bulawayo Chiefs coach, is wary of his opponents. “ZPC Hwange are a good side, they’ve been in the league longer than us and I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting game. Remember they are unbeaten and I’m sure they will want to maintain their record. However, we’ve prepared well as we need these points to make sure that we are not found wanting in as far as relegation race is concerned,” said Sibanda.
Third placed Bulawayo City have a relatively easy home game against Hwange Juniors. Both teams are coming from defeats with Bulawayo City smarting from a 0-1 loss to Casmyn while Technosphere beat Hwange Juniors 2-0 in a midweek game.
A victory for championship favourites Bulawayo City and a draw result from the Bulawayo Chiefs-ZPC Hwange encounter will see local authority bankrolled Bulawayo City closing in on the top two.
Ntabazinduna who wasted numerous scoring opportunities in the 1-2 midweek game against Black Boots will be hoping that Nokel Security top goalscorer of the month for April James Chivasa rediscovers his scoring touch when they take on tricky customers Casmyn.Brevvy Sibanda scored the consolation goal for Ntabazinduna while Lewis “Rambo” Ncube hit a spectacular goal for the Black Boots before Ntokozo Tshuma grabbed a late winner for the police side.
FixturesToday: Mpumalanga v Trumus (Nengasha), Bulawayo Chiefs v ZPC Hwange (Raylton), Bantu Rovers v Makomo FC (White City), Technosphere v Nust (Hwange), Bulawayo City v Hwange Juniors (Luveve), Ntabazinduna v Casmyn (Ntabazinduna), Old Nic Mine v Black Boots (Old Nic Mine)Sunday: Amagagasi v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Victoria Falls)
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