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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO City FC slipped from second to third position on the Southern Region Soccer league following their 0-0 draw against ZPC Hwange in Hwange on Saturday. The Bulawayo City Council bankrolled club trail table toppers Bulawayo Chiefs by two points. Chiefs are tied on 10 points with Ntabazinduna. The local authority owned club is not losing sleep over the Hwange slip up with coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube saying the league is still in its infancy to talk about the championship.

“As much as it is two points lost but the point we got against a good side like ZPC Hwange who’ve been in the league for sometime is commendable. We just have to control the controllable and make sure that we convert the chances we create. As far as the championship and relegation matters are concerned, it’s still an open league and we believe that we will get it right in our next trip,” said Ncube.

Bulawayo City were making a second visit to the coalmining town having played to a goalless draw with Makomo on Week Two.

With a number of seasoned players at their disposal, Bulawayo City are considered to be the team to beat this season and for that reason, their opponents tend to raise their game when they face the local authority side.

Speed merchants Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda and Mkhululi Moyo, defensive midfielder Xolisani “Scara” Moyo, Innocent Kutsanzira, Makhosi Ncube, and veteran goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda are some of the players driving ambitious Bulawayo City.

They also have equally good defenders in Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda and former Highlanders utility player Bruce Tshuma.

Bulawayo City have a tough encounter next weekend when they play host to perennial campaigners Black Boots and are aware that only a win will keep them in the championship chasing pack.

Bulawayo Chiefs, who came into the season saying they are on a rebuilding exercise, seem to have surpassed their expectations as they sit at the top of the table.

The former champions have a superior goal difference over the Agent Sawu’s coached Ntabazinduna.

Bulawayo Chiefs picked up maximum points away at Indlovu Iyanyathela, with Proud Zireni, who missed the 0-0 draw against Nust due to injury, returning to score the only goal and secure maximum points for Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda side.

Ntabazinduna came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win in Victoria Falls where they beat Trumus.

The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services side got their goals from Bravie Sibanda and Rasiwe Banda while the hosts had taken the lead through Jim Muli.

League newboys Makomo FC are enjoying a good run and at the weekend they had to thank former Hwange dribbling wizard Marlvin Longwe, scorer of their solitary goal in their 1-0 home win against Old Nic Mine.

Makomo FC are on position four, tied on eight points with Bulawayo City and fifth placed ZPC Hwange.