Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HWANGE will be the focal point in this weekend’s Zifa Southern Region Division One League when three of the top four teams invade the coal mining town tomorrow afternoon in search of maximum points. League leaders Bulawayo City, second-placed Bulawayo Chiefs and fourth-placed Bantu Rovers will be in Hwange for what promises to be a bumper afternoon of football.
The Philani “Beefy” Ncube-coached City, who were given a reality check by Technosphere two weeks ago, take on Brian Njobvu’s Hwange Under-20 knowing that a slip-up would be received with cheers across town in Ingagula suburb where Chiefs will be taking on ZPC Hwange at Chakona Stadium.
ZPC Hwange looked like championship contenders at the beginning of the season, but their generation capacity faded along the way, even though they still pick up points here and there.
Johannes Ngodzo’s youthful Bantu Rovers face Makomo having seemingly resigned to another dance in the second tier league, if general manager Wilbert Sibanda’s sentiments during the week are anything to go by.
He said they were starting their 2016 preparations by roping in former Highlanders’ chairman Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda as manager.
That, however, doesn’t in any way suggest they will be easy prey for Makomo, who dismissed Amagagasi 1-0 last weekend.
Bantu Rovers themselves beat Victoria Falls outfit Trumus 2-1 with goals from Emmanuel Dube and Talent Twala, while the visitors got their consolation from Munyaradzi Muchenje.
However, the two games to watch will be at Chakona and Colliery stadiums. Chiefs are breathing hard on City’s neck and need to win their duel to keep pace, as a loss would leave the Bulawayo municipal side needing just 10 points from six games to seal promotion into the elite Premier Soccer League, if they beat the Young Chipangano.
A Chiefs win and a City loss would reduce the gap to three points, setting the stage for an exciting, nail-biting finish to the season.
City are likely to parade their latest acquisition, veteran Mkhokheli Dube, who was released by Premier Soccer League leaders Chicken Inn during the second transfer window.