Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs are back in business this weekend and resume their Southern Region Division One Soccer League matches six weeks after their players and officials survived a near fatal accident that left most nursing injuries. The Chiefs’ team bus overturned 80KM before Hwange on May 13, while on their way to Victoria Falls for a league match against Victoria Falls Tigers. Chiefs take on ZRP Hwange tomorrow at White City Stadium, with new coach Anzilom Ndlovu seeking his first win.
Ndlovu, a former Highlanders’ defender, was thrust into Chiefs’ hot seat following the departure of ex-coach Thulani Sibanda to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions Chicken Inn as assistant to Rahman Gumbo.
Chiefs’ last game was on May 8 when they beat Black Boots 2-1, courtesy of a brace by Thabani Moyo. Sadly for the 2013 champions, Moyo will not be part of the squad facing ZRP Hwange alongside fellow striker Qinani Sibanda and defender Sikhumbulani Dube, as they are still nursing injuries sustained in the May 13 accident.
“We’re ready for the game and the guys look fit. Everyone is geared up, but we know that the rhythm will not be same because before the accident, we played with high intensity. We just have to win this game to get the boys’ confidence back,” said Ndlovu.
Chiefs are fifth on the league table with 13 points from five games, and trail log leaders Amagagasi, who have played nine matches, by 12 points. Ndlovu declined to comment on the games in hand. “We don’t want to talk about the games in hand because that may distract us. What is important is to take each game at a time and try to pick up as many points as possible,” he said.
Ndlovu will be banking on left-back Moses Majika, midfielder Joseph Mutambiranwa, strikers Ashton Mhlanga and Kundishora Chakanyuka, as well as goalkeeper Winston Chiwetu to collect their first set of points since the accident. Leaders Amagagasi will be hoping to complete the first third of the season without losing a match when they take on Technosphere in Hwange.
Technosphere’s hopes to become the first team to hand Amagagasi their first loss of the season will be pinned on Oscar Lungu, last season’s league joint top goal scorer Bekithemba Nyoni and Manyando Zulu.
Amagagasi, who are coached by Chinotimba Primary School teacher Zibonele Ncube, are driven by defender Bekithemba Moyo, anchorman Trevor Nkomo, attacking midfielders Musiiwa and Njabulo Malala as well as striker Nhlanhla Ndlovu, among other players.
Second placed Bantu Rovers, who trail Amagagasi by a point, will be keen to keep up with the pacesetters by collecting maximum points against Talen Vision at Raylton Sports Club.
Fixtures
Tomorrow: Hwange Juniors v ZRP Bulawayo Province (Hwange), Bulawayo Chiefs v ZRP Hwange (White City, 12PM), Bosso 90 v Black Boots (White City), Ntabazinduna v Makomo (Ntabazinduna), Talen Vision v Bantu Rovers (Raylton, 12PM), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Casmyn (Brad Barracks), Victoria Falls Tigers v ZPC Hwange (Chinotimba), Technosphere v Amagagasi (Hwange)
Wednesday, June 22: Victoria Falls Tigers v ZRP Hwange (Chinotimba), Black Boots v Ntabazinduna (Fairbridge)