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Agent Sawu

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
NTABAZINDUNA FC moved from position three to the top of the Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League following their 1-0 win over ZPC Hwange on Saturday. The Agent Sawu-coached outfit capitalised on the failure to collect maximum points by Tsholotsho FC and Technosphere who had gone into the weekend sitting on positions one and two respectively.

Tsholotsho FC were held to a goalless draw by Plumtree Chiefs in a match that the referee of the day made a host of questionable decisions with biased officiating, dampening the top of the table clash while Technosphere lost 0-1 to Black Boots.

After 16 rounds of matches, Ntabazinduna have amassed 32 points, one ahead of Tsholotsho FC while Technosphere are on 30 points with Black Boots and Plumtree Chiefs tied on 29.
The twists and turns as the championship race continues set an exciting finish for the league with most coaches predicting more drama.

“These are the turns that everyone has been talking about and I must say we just have to stay focused and take each game as it comes. We missed a number of chances against ZPC Hwange, including a penalty but the good thing is that Success Sibanda atoned for the miss by scoring the solitary strike. I am just happy with the three points,” said Sawu.

Ntabazinduna are bracing for another home encounter this week against Tsholotsho FC and it will be a real test for both teams. Speaking after their goalless draw with Plumtree Chiefs at Tsholotsho on Saturday, Tsholotsho FC’s coach Lizwe Sweswe who saw his charges fluff a number of scoring opportunities remained hopeful of returning to the top of the table.
Former Highlanders reserve goalkeeper Winston Chiwetu was on song making a number of saves to keep his Plumtree Chiefs in the game.

“Picking a point against a championship contender is okay even though we wanted maximum points. The guys worked hard and tried their best but our opponents held on. I think the next games will be crucial in as far as the championship race is concerned and we just have to continue working hard,” said Sweswe.
Plumtree Chiefs’ spokesman Dumisani Mantula-Sibanda expressed his anger at poor officiating.

“Match officials must not aid teams’ campaigns. Without taking anything away from Tsholotsho FC, they are a good side and gave us a good run for our money but the disturbing factor was the referee who spoiled the game with questionable decisions. It’s not yet over and we will fight to the wire,” Mantula-Sibanda said.

Results
Saturday: Ntabazinduna 1-0 ZPC Hwange, Mpumalanga United 2-0 Nust, Old Nic 1-0 Hwange Juniors, Elephant FC v Portland Cement (not played), Tsholotsho FC 0-0 Plumtree Chiefs
Yesterday: Black Boots 1-0 (Tashinga Mungadzi) Technosphere, Trumus 0-1 New West

Table
P W D L F A GD Pts
Ntabazinduna 16 9 5 2 19 8 11 32
Tsholotsho 16 8 7 1 19 6 13 31
Technosphere 16 8 6 2 17 6 11 30
Black Boots 16 8 5 3 21 11 10 29
Plumtree Chiefs 16 8 5 3 18 8 10 29
ZPC Hwange 17 7 5 5 13 8 5 26
Hwange Juniors 16 7 2 7 16 20 -4 23
Trumus 15 4 9 2 14 12 2 21
Mpumalanga 16 6 3 7 14 18 -4 21
New West 15 3 4 8 14 18 -4 13
Nust 14 2 5 7 7 17 -10 11
Elephant FC 15 1 6 8 5 14 -9 9
Old Nic Mine 16 2 3 11 9 30 -21 9
Portland Cement 14 1 5 8 1 14 -13 8