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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
IT’S an action packed weekend for football enthusiasts in Matabeleland North Province when Hwange and Victoria Falls play host to six Southern Region Soccer League encounters.Table leaders ZPC Hwange will be at home to struggling Hwange Juniors tomorrow with the hope of retaining top spot.

The electricity generators have amassed 18 points in eight outings and lead second-placed Bulawayo City, who are tied on points with Bulawayo Chiefs, by a point.

ZPC Hwange have ruled out complacency against second from the bottom side Hwange Juniors, who have four points having managed a single win and a draw out of eight games.

ZPC Hwange coach Njabulo Dube remains the only unbeaten gaffer in the league this season and he declared their readiness for the young coalminers.

“Playing a derby is always a challenge. Form rarely counts in such clashes and it’s a tricky game but we’ve adequately prepared,” said Dube.

“I’ve a group of players who are determined to win at all costs and have been working hard to ensure that we get positive results. The team spirit they’re exhibiting and ambition to play in the elite league is what drives the boys. It might be early days to talk about the championship but if we remain consistent we’ll go all the way and we plan to continue with our fine run,” Dube said.

ZPC Hwange will bank on skipper Azele Kabwe, goalkeeper David Bizabani, Bongani Dube, Admire Banda and Israel Mukahanana, whom they acquired from the now defunct New West at the beginning of the season.

While the electricity generators will be busy entertaining Hwange Juniors at Chakona Stadium, across town ambitious Bulawayo City will be hunting for a first win in the coal mining town when they take on Technosphere.

Coached by Premiership award winning gaffer Philani “Beefy” Ncube, Bulawayo City know that they can’t afford to drop points if they are to realise their dream of securing promotion into the topflight league at their first attempt.

Bankrolled by the Bulawayo City Council, City have the pedigree to beat any team in the league as they boast of seasoned players.

Goalkeeper Ndodana Sibanda, former Bosso defender Bruce Tshuma, Zibusiso “Mzimara” Sibanda formerly of Caps United, former How Mine’s Xolisani “Scara” Moyo, Innocent Kutsanzira as well as speed merchants Mkhululi Moyo and Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda are experienced players in Bulawayo City’s ranks.

Third-placed Bulawayo Chiefs will, however, be without suspended playmaker Ishamel Wadi for the trip to Hwange to take on Mpumalanga. Wadi was sent off during Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Black Boots last Saturday.

Mhleli Sibanda, captain Kundishora Chakanyuka, Peter Muduhwa, Lindelani Ncube and former national Under-20 utility player Proud Zireni are expected to carry the day for Chiefs.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Technosphere vs Bulawayo City (Hwange), ZPC Hwange vs Hwange Juniors (Hwange), Mpumalanga vs Bulawayo Chiefs (Hwange), Bantu Rovers vs Old Nic Mine (White City), Black Boots vs Casmyn (Fairbridge), Trumus vs Nust (Victoria Falls)

Sunday: Makomo vs Indlovu Iyanyathela (Hwange), Amagagasi vs Ntabazinduna (Victoria Falls)