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Thulani Sibanda

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Chiefs intend to become “The Invincibles” by winning the Southern Region Division One Soccer League title without losing a match.

Chiefs moved to seven points of winning the title, coming from a goal down to beat army side Indlovu Iyanyathela in their backyard 3-1 on Saturday.

The victory saw Chiefs extending their unbeaten run which stretches to last season to 27 games.

Chiefs last lost a league match on October 2, 2016, going down 2-1 to ZRP Bulawayo Province in a Week 22 encounter and since then, they have been ruthless.

The table-toppers under Thulani Sibanda have won 23 out of their 27 outings, drawing four. Two of the draws were played last season Black Boots (0-0) on Week 26 and the 1-1 scoreline against Ntabazinduna which cost them the title as well a place in the Premiership.

This season they have won 17 of their 19 matches and sit at the top of the table with 53 points, 12 points clear of second placed ZPC Hwange who  can only end the season with 59 points should they win their remaining assignments.

Makomo and Casmyn are the only sides that have managed to get a point each against Chiefs who have challenged themselves to go all the way into the Premiership without a loss.

“We have been in firm control of the title race from the start of the season. We never hid our intentions of going for the title. Last season we said we were building a squad to challenge for the title this year and this is exactly what we’re doing. Without disrespecting anyone, I think whoever dreams of taking the title away from us at this stage will need massive divine intervention.

“I don’t see ourselves dropping points until we bag the title. I’m a coach who likes challenges and I will be happy if we win the title and do it in style without losing a game. Of course losing is part of the game but at this stage and looking at my players’ hunger I believe that we can be ‘The Invincibles’ of this league,” said Sibanda.

On Saturday, Chiefs found themselves trailing 1-0 within 15 minutes of play courtesy of an Ackim Gwaendepi penalty.

Chiefs’ attacking midfielder Arthur Musiiwa grabbed a brace with the other goal coming from Farawu Matare.

Indlovu Iyanyathela had two impressive Gifford pupils in their team, left back Brandon Mpofu who is in Form Three and attacking midfielder Ricardo Sibanda a Form Four student.

Clemence Chimimba, Indlovu Iyanyathela’s coach said: “I think we gave a good account of ourselves and the young lads who are students at Gifford showed that they have what it takes to play at the top. They are both Under-18 and my hope is that they get necessary experience to withstand demands of topflight football.”

Meanwhile, Amagagasi were blown away by Mosi Rovers in a Victoria Falls derby  with the former going down 2-0 courtesy of goals from Thabani Ndlovu and Presley Zwelokusa.

Results

Thursday: Bosso 90 0-1 ZRP Bulawayo Province

Saturday: Victoria Falls Tigers 0-3 Casmyn, Indlovu Iyanyathela 1-3 Bulawayo Chiefs, Makomo 1-1 Zim Leopards, Black Boots 1-1 Talen Vision

Sunday: Amagagasi 0-2 Mosi Rovers

Table
P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Bulawayo Chiefs    19    17    2    0    38    4    34    53
ZPC Hwange    20    12    5    3    33    8    25    41
Bosso 90    21    10    5    6    24    18    6    35
Makomo    20    8    9    3    21    14    7    33
Casmyn    19    7    6    6    21    14    7    27
ZRP Bulawayo    19    7    6    6    21    19    2    27
Zim Leopards    19    6    6    7    25    30    -5    24
Mosi Rovers    19    6    5    8    19    24    -5    23
Indlovu Iyanyathela    18    6    4    8    19    26    -7    22
Talen Vision    19    4    9    6    13    14    -1    21
Black Boots    20    5    6    9    23    35    -12    21
Amagagasi    20    3    6    11    13    28    -15    15
Chiwororo    19    3    4    12    18    33    -15    13
Vic Falls Tigers    19    2    5    12    7    31    -24    11
— @ZililoR