Zimpapers Logo

Ricky Zililo: Senior Sports Reporter
SOUTHERN Region Division One Soccer League leaders Bantu Rovers’ coach Johannes Ngodzo has challenged his side to maintain their momentum and extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches when they take on Bulawayo Chiefs tomorrow.

Rovers shot to the top of the league table last weekend following a 2-0 win over Talen Vision to take their points tally to 27, one more than second placed Amagagasi after 10 matches.

The former Premiership side is bracing for an epic clash with Chiefs at Luveve Stadium.

“We respect Chiefs like any other team in the league and are looking forward to an interesting game. I believe what is key for us is to maintain consistency and let the boys enjoy their game,” said Ngodzo.

“We’re not reading much into being at the top of the table because doing so may distract our vision of developing and building confidence in our young boys. We’re not even thinking about the championship at all and that is why you see us fielding Under-20 players. So playing sides like Chiefs presents the boys with an opportunity to feel what it’s like to face tough opposition,” he said.

It would be unwise for Chiefs and other teams to believe that Rovers are only interested in developing players at the expense of winning the championship.

Rovers have a solid squad made up mostly of Under-20 players, but with veterans such as ex-national team, Highlanders and FC Platinum defender Zephaniah Ngodzo, Lindelani Vice Ncube, strikers Fortune Nkomazana and Joshua Wilson helping the youngsters to settle in.

Some of the Under-20 players that have featured regularly in Ngodzo’s side include skipper and Young Warriors forward Bukhosi Sibanda, right-back Lesley Lunga, the midfield trio of Ben Munsaka, Munyaradzi Chitambwe and Denzel Khumalo, as well as strikers Gladman Bharibhari and Obrey Chirinda.

Chiefs’ coach Anzilom Ndlovu, who shared the dressing room with Johannes during their playing days at Highlanders, predicted a tough game.

“It’s advantage to Rovers because they’re on a winning spree and it obviously presents a challenge to us considering that we’re coming from a long layoff due to that accident. However, playing against a team that is at the top obviously motivates the boys and we’re really looking forward to finding that win, which will boost our confidence,” said Ndlovu.

Chiefs will be without midfielders Mengezi Dube and Joseph Mutambiranwa, who picked up injuries in last week’s 0-2 loss to ZRP Bulawayo.

Chiefs will bank on left-back Moses Majika, defender Trust Msindo, strikers Kundishora Chakanyuka and Ashton Mhlanga, as well as goalkeeper Kelvin Nyoni.

Former Tsholotsho’s attacking midfield duo of Remmington Masuku and Kudzi Machazane are also at Chiefs’ disposal.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Bantu Rovers v Bulawayo Chiefs (Luveve), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Talen Vision (Fairbridge, 12PM), ZRP Hwange v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Hwange), Black Boots v Victoria Falls Tigers (Fairbridge), Casmyn v Hwange Juniors (Turk Mine), ZPC Hwange v Technosphere (postponed), Makomo v Bosso 90 (postponed), Amagagasi v Ntabazinduna (postponed)

Wednesday, June 29: Amagagasi v Indlovu Iyanyathela (Victoria Falls), Bosso 90 v Bulawayo Chiefs (White City), Hwange Juniors v Ntabazinduna (Hwange), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Makomo (Fairbridge), Technosphere v Black Boots (Hwange)

Thursday, June 30: Victoria Falls Tigers v ZRP Hwange (Victoria Falls)

*All matches start at 3PM unless stated

Table

P W D L F A GD Pts

Bantu Rovers 10 9 0 1 19 2 17 27

Amagagasi 10 8 2 0 19 3 16 26

ZPC Hwange 12 6 5 1 11 5 6 23

Black Boots 11 5 2 4 16 9 7 17

Talen Vision 12 4 2 6 10 15 -5 14

Bulawayo Chiefs 6 4 1 1 10 5 5 13

ZRP Bulawayo 10 4 1 5 10 10 0 13

Ntabazinduna 10 3 4 3 6 10 -4 13

Vic Falls Tigers 8 4 0 4 9 10 -1 12

Hwange Juniors 10 3 3 4 4 8 -4 12

Bosso90 10 3 1 6 11 16 -5 10

Technosphere 10 2 4 4 3 9 -6 10

Casmyn 10 2 3 5 9 11 -2 9

Indlovu Iyanyathela 10 3 0 7 6 17 -11 9

Makomo 11 2 2 7 5 11 -6 8

ZRP Hwange 10 2 2 6 10 16 -6 8