Senior Sports Reporter
INJURY prone footballer Simon Njeleza is enjoying a new lease of life in the Zifa Southern Region Division One Socccer league where he is the leading marksman with eight goals from 15 starts.The former Hwange, FC Platinum and How Mine striker decided to revive his career, which appeared to be going down the drain, in the lower division, joining Black Boots at the beginning of the season.

Njeleza, one of the many stars that were lured by the then “Money Bags” FC Platinum when they were promoted into the Premiership in 2011 failed to live up to the billing at the ambitious Zvishavane side due to injuries.

He was eventually shown the exit door after recovering and last season tried his luck at How Mine but injuries saw him spend most of the time on the terraces.

The 27-year-old striker has overcome injuries to command a regular starting place at championship chasing Black Boots who are at the summit of the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League.

“It has been tough but competitive in the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League. Unlike in the PSL, I think the lower division is more competitive because opponents are very quick to close in on you and you are not given that room that one gets in the Premiership,” Njeleza said.

“I am enjoying my spell at Black Boots after being frustrated by injuries. It feels good to be scoring again and my target is 15 goals. With six games left, it’s possible to score at least seven.”

Njeleza is competing for the top goalscorer’s gong with Kundishora Chakanyuka of Plumtree Chiefs and Ntabazinduna’s Fidelis Dube who have seven goals on their accounts.

His teammate Stanley Ngala is on six goals with Edmore Chirambadare of Tsholotsho FC. Njeleza is confident that they will win the title.

“There are about five clubs that are fighting for the title and I think the championship is ours to lose. We just have to concentrate on our matches and collect as many points as possible. The desire to play in the PSL is what is driving the guys to work extra hard and we also have a strong side,” he said.

Ntokozo Tshuma, the Highlanders juniors’ trio of goalkeeper Ashford Katsande, Lewis “Rambo” Ncube and central defender Tendai Ndlovu are some of the players that have formed Black Boots’ backbone.

Black Boots are on 39 points from 20 outings having played a game more than Ntabazinduna who trail them by two points.

Technosphere and Tsholotsho FC tied on 36 points are also within the title race.

Scorers’ chart

Eight goals: Simon Njeleza (Black Boots)
Seven goals: Kundishora Chakanyuka (Plumtree Chiefs), Fidelis Dube (Ntabazinduna)
Six goals: Stanley Ngala (Black Boots), Edmore Chirambadare (Tsholotsho FC)

Results

Saturday: Quelaton 1-1 Tsholotsho FC, Ntabazinduna 0-0 Elephants FC, Plumtree Chiefs 0-0 Black Boots, Technosphere 0-1 ZPC Hwange, Hwange Juniors 5-2 Mpumalanga, Trumus 0-0 Old Nic Mine, New West 3-0 Portland Cement

 

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