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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO City’s 12-match unbeaten run in the Southern Region Soccer League comes under test tomorrow when they face off with tricky Technosphere at Luveve Stadium.

Technosphere were the last side to beat City on Week Nine with a 3-0 score line in Hwange.

Then, Technosphere outclassed their opponents and got their goals from Vumani Sibanda, Bekithemba Nyoni and Nhlanhla Ndlovu.

That defeat was a wake-up call for City as they went on to cement their title aspirations by going for 12 games without conceding.

Technosphere coach Try Ncube said a disciplined performance and self belief would be key in driving his side against City.

“The first leg was tough because Bulawayo City are a good and experienced side, but the boys fought hard and we got our tactics right on that day. What is important is for the boys to take the game just like any other match,” said Ncube.

Coached by the 2009 Premier Soccer League award winning gaffer Philani “Beefy” Ncube, City know that they can’t afford to drop points if they are to realise their dream of making it into the topflight league on the first attempt.

City have the pedigree to beat any team in the league as they boast of seasoned players.

Goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda, former Bosso defenders Innocent Mapuranga and Bruce Tshuma, Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda, formerly with Caps United, former How Mine’s Xolisani “Scara” Moyo, Innocent Kutsanzira, speed merchants Mkhululi Moyo and Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda are expected to lead City to maximum points tomorrow.

“To us it’s not about revenging the score line, but our aim is to collect maximum points. It’s a tricky game but we’ve prepared in the best possible way. We’ve never underrated any of our opponents and we give all the teams in the league the same respect,” Beefy said.

Second placed Bulawayo Chiefs are tipped to collect maximum points against anchors Mpumalanga, while Casmyn host Black Boots.

Meanwhile, Old Nic Mine have been thrown out of the Southern Region Soccer League for failing to fulfil four league encounters and paying affiliation fees.

Augustine Ndlovu, the Zifa Southern Region administrator said a decision to expel Old Nic Mine, who are second from the bottom, was reached after the club failed to turn-up for their league match against Mpumalanga.

The other games that Old Nic Mine failed to fulfil were against ZPC Hwange, Amagagasi and Black Boots.

Ndlovu said the embattled gold miners also owed Zifa Southern Region a total of $4,988 of which $3,800 is for affiliation fees and the remainder referees’ allowances.

He said since they are six games into the second half of the season, teams yet to play Old Nic Mine would all be given three points on a 3-0 score line.

“The rules are clear that if you fail to fulfil three league games, you will be kicked out of the league. In their case, the league was a little bit patient with them and the major blow was their failure not to fulfil the game against Mpumalanga. They owe the league affiliation fees back dating to last season and after seeing that they were not forthcoming in as far as clearing the debt, they were chucked out,” said Ndlovu.

Bantu Rovers will be the first club to benefit from the free points as they had been scheduled to take on Old Nic Mine tomorrow.

Ndlovu warned teams in the league to fulfil their league games and make efforts to clear outstanding affiliation fees to avoid being axed.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Nust v Trumus (White City), Casmyn v Black Boots (Turk Mine), Ntabazinduna v Amagagasi (Ntabazinduna), Old Nic Mine v Bantu Rovers (cancelled), Bulawayo Chiefs v Mpumalanga (Fairbridge), Hwange Juniors v ZPC Hwange (Hwange), Bulawayo City v Technosphere (Luveve), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Makomo (Brady Barracks).