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Philani “Beefy” Ncube

Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
FIERCE competition is expected in the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League when the season starts next month with most clubs already done with their recruitment.Former champions Plumtree Chiefs who beat Premiership debutants Whawha FC 3-0 in their first official pre-season friendly match in Gweru last weekend are one of the sides to watch out for.

Newcomers in the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League, BCC Golden Stars have also been busy and have sent shivers to many after signing seasoned players.

Some of the players with Premiership and Division One experience who are training at BCC Golden Stars which is coached by Philani “Beefy” Ncube include Innocent “Joker” Kutsanzira, Gracious Muleya, goalkeeper Winstone Chiwetu, Brighton “Zandla” Dube, speed merchants Mkhululi Moyo formerly with Bantu Rovers and Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda.

The team however faces stiff competition from Plumtree Chiefs whose off-season best signing appears to be Ishmael Wadi who is coming from Black Mambas. Wadi, 22, was on fire when his club beat Whawha creating all the three goals. One goal was scored by leftback Brian Chikwenga and former Highlanders FC player Mkhululi Dube scored a brace.

Plumtree Chiefs are closing in on two-time championship winning coach Thulani Sibanda who is back in Bulawayo after a stint with Black Mambas.

“I’ve to commend the work done by Anzilom Ndlovu and Nkosiyazi Ncube who’ve been busy recruiting players for the new season. From what I’ve seen I must say it’s a good squad that will be challenging for the championship next season because you need at least a year to familiarise with the environment. The guys seem hungry but they’re not under any pressure to vie for the title as the target of the club is to bring in youngsters who can withstand Division One pressure before going into Premiership maybe in 2017,” said Sibanda, who sat on the bench against Whawha.

Some of the notable faces at Plumtree Chiefs are Proud Zireni, Tedious Mugumanya who has put on weight, Kundishora Chakanyuka and Joseph Museve.

Agent “Ajila” Sawu’s Ntabazinduna Prison who were among the title contenders last season believe that their pre-season preparations are on course.

They have played two friendly matches against Plumtree Chiefs and Highlanders losing 0-1 and 0-2 respectively.

“Our target is to have six pre-season games as we try and get our guys develop endurance. We aren’t worried about losing because the bigger picture is making sure that our guys are in good shape,” said Sawu.

Ntabazinduna are yet to renew deals with five of their players Gift “Ruff-ruff” Phiri, Mthulisi Nkomo, Brazy Sibanda, Mengezi Dube and Peter Mpofu who were regulars in their last campaign.

Last season’s runners-up to Tsholotsho FC, Technosphere are hoping for a better year despite losing three key players Gift Mbweti, Bekithemba Ngwenya and Remington Masuku.

Ngwenya, a defensive midfielder has been spotted at BCC Golden Stars while Mbweti is with Hwange FC.

Try Ncube, Technosphere’s coach said; “Everything’s coming up and we’re assessing Nhlanhla Ndlovu who was at Trumus last season and failed to make the grade at Highlanders. I think the fact that we managed to take the championship to the wire has made us manage to keep our side intact as we hope to give it another go.”

Trumus FC of Victoria Falls are building a new side under Ndoga Nyoni. Today they take on Premiership side Hwange FC and are hoping to land an opportunity to try their squad by hosting Bulawayo giants Highlanders later this month.

“What’s key is setting up a strong foundation by having players who understand each other. Unfortunately we lost a number of guys who went to Makomo in Hwange and Amagagasi but we aren’t losing sleep over that. We just have to rebuild, come stronger and make sure that we also become a force to reckon with in this league.

“We won’t be pushovers because we still dream of becoming the first Premiership club in Victoria Falls,” Nyoni said.

Bantu Rovers and Black Boots are some of the clubs that are expected to put up a strong championship challenge.