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Ricky Zililo  Senior Sports Reporter
TRICKY but exciting Southern Region Soccer League matches are on the cards with clubs that are yet to lose this season facing off today and tomorrow.Table toppers Bulawayo Chiefs – tied on 10 points with Ntabazinduna after four games – welcome fourth placed Makomo FC at Raylton this afternoon.

Makomo FC trail their opponents by two points.

The coalminers will not be pushovers and Bulawayo Chiefs should expect stiff competition as Makomo FC have proved to be a force to reckon with under the guidance of former Highlanders and Lancashire Steel midfielder Tapela Ngwenya.

In the four matches that they’ve played, Makomo FC has two wins over Technosphere and Old Nic Mine as well as draws against championship contenders Bulawayo City and Ntabazinduna.

The fact that they managed identical 0-0 draws with seasoned campaigners Ntabazinduna and experienced Bulawayo City speaks volumes about the capabilities of Makomo FC.

“We always take each game as it comes and we’ve got enough respect for Makomo FC just like we do to other teams. I don’t think it’s about chance that they’re where they’re on the log, they’re proving that they’re a good side who are in the league to effectively compete. Having played two draws against formidable sides like Bulawayo City and Ntabazinduna, they should be coming to us bubbling with confidence. We’re ready for them,” said Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda, Bulawayo Chiefs’ coach.

Ishmael Wadi, former national Under-20 utility player Proud Zireni, ex-Shabanie Mine winger Mkhululi Dube, Mhleli Sibanda and Ashton Mhlanga who is coming from injury are expected to lead Bulawayo Chiefs’ quest for maximum points.

Former Hwange and Motor Action midfielder Marlin Longwe is expected to use his experience in motivating his teammates who are new in the first division. Longwe was on target when Makomo FC beat a stubborn Old Nic Mine in Hwange last weekend.

While Bulawayo Chiefs and Makomo FC will be doing battle at Raylton, Ntabazinduna plays host to ZPC Hwange.

Agent Sawu’s Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services side will be hoping to switch off ZPC Hwange through the league’s top scorer James Chivasa – with three goals in four matches – and his striking partners Bravie Sibanda, Rasiwe Banda and Nkosilathi Ncube.

Admire Banda, Bongani Dube and Azela Kabwe have been consistent performers for the electricity generators and Ntabazinduna should closely monitor the trio.

Tomorrow, Bulawayo City will take on perennial campaigners Black Boots at Luveve Stadium.

The local authority bankrolled Bulawayo City will be out for their third home win having registered victories against Indlovu Iyanyathela and Victoria Falls based Trumus.

Ex-Chicken Inn and How Mine midfielder Xolisani Moyo, Joseph Mathambo, Warren Dube and Qinani Sibanda are among Bulawayo City’s key players to lead them to victory.

Meanwhile, Zephaniah Ngodzo is expected to return into the starting line-up when Bantu Rovers host Nust at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.

Fixtures

Today: Old Nic Mine v Trumus (Old Nic Mine), Mpumalanga v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Hwange), Bantu Rovers v Nust (Luveve), Technosphere v Casmyn (Hwange), Ntabazinduna v ZPC Hwange (Ntabazinduna), Bulawayo Chiefs v Makomo (Raylton)

Tomorrow: Bulawayo City v Black Boots (Luveve), Amagagasi v Hwange Juniors (Chinotimba)