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Tafadzwa Dhliwayo receives the July top marksman award from Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Indlovu Iyanyathela attacking midfielder Tafadzwa Dhliwayo is dazzling the Southern Region Division One Soccer League and has become the youngest player to claim the monthly Nokel Security Top Goal Scorer award.

Dhliwayo won the July top marksman award after banging five goals and was presented with his $200 prize before his team’s 1-0 win against CIWU at Mzilikazi Barracks, formerly known as Brad Barracks, on Saturday.

The youngster, a product of Real Stars Sports Academy of Makokoba in Bulawayo, beat Gerald Maison of CIWU and veteran Hwange forward Gilbert Zulu who had three goals each to the award.

“I just want to thank my teammates and the coaches who always encourage me. I’ll keep    on working hard to help my team,” said Dhliwayo.

Indlovu Iyanyathela coach Clement Chimimba, one of the underrated gaffers in the league and a firm believer in junior players, showered praises on the young lad, and is confident that if he keeps working hard, Dhliwayo will dazzle the topflight.

“I’m happy that our hard work is being recognised through the performance of our players. I’m happy for Dhliwayo and everyone is happy for the young man. He is a disciplined player who listens to instructions and if he remains focused, he can take his career to greater heights,” said Chimimba.

Dhliwayo, who plays behind the strikers, looking to pounce on loose balls, is the league’s second top goalscorer with seven goals to his account. Hwange striker Zulu, who hit a brace at the weekend, leads the overall scorers chat with 10.

Dhliwayo did not score against CIWU but his close friend, 19-year-old Riccardo Sibanda got the solitary goal for Indlovu Iyanyathela as they took their points tally to 30 points from 17 games. Indlovu Iyanyathela trail leaders Hwange who have played 18 games by 10 points.

Chimimba said their target is to finish in the top four.

“As a club, we don’t have money to spend but our drive is to market ourselves and players through playing good football. I’m in my second season at Indlovu Iyanyathela and my target is to finish in the top four. Next year we will then compete for a Premiership slot,” Chimimba said.

Meanwhile, Hwange bounced back from last weekend’s shock 0-1 away defeat against Toronto to beat Zim Leopards 2-0 at the Colliery Stadium.

The coalminers maintained a three-point lead over Tsholotsho who beat Talen Vision 2-0.

Southern Region top scorers chat:

10 – Gilbert  Zulu (Hwange)
7 – Tafadzwa Dhliwayo (Indlovu Iyanyathela)
6 – Tatenda Ushe (Moto Moto), Grey Kufandada (Talen Vision)
5 – Denzel Khumalo (Bosso 90), Morgan Mungombe (Makomo), Ossie Miniru (Talen Vision), Tinashe Mkthimkhulu (Tsholotsho), Marlven Dube (Zim Leopards)

Results
Saturday: Hwange 2-0 Zim Leopards, Talen Vision 0-2 Tsholotsho, Main Line 0-1 Makomo, Casmyn 0-0 Toronto, Indlovu Iyanyathela 1-0 CIWU, Moto Moto 0-0 ZRP Bulawayo, Bosso 90 3-0 NRZ Leopards

Sunday: Mosi Rovers 1-4 ZPC Hwange

Table

P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    Pts
Hwange    18    12    4    2    32    10    22    40
Tsholotsho    18    10    7    1    21    9    12    37
ZPC Hwange    18    8    7    3    17    9    8    31
Indlovu    17    8    6    3    25    13    12    30
Bosso 90    18    8    6    4    20    12    8    30
Makomo    17    7    6    4    21    18    3    27
Talen Vision    18    6    7    5    21    15    6    25
CIWU    18    5    8    5    18    18    0    23
Moto Moto    17    4    8    6    12    14    -2    20
Mosi Rovers    18    6    2    10    19    25    -6    20
Casmyn    18    5    5    8    12    19    -7    20
Toronto    18    2    11    5    9    16    -7    17
Zim Leopards    18    4    5    9    13    24    -11    17
Main Line    18    4    3    11    12    25    -13    15
NRZ Leopards    17    3    5    9    11    22    -11    14
ZRP Bulawayo    18    3    4    11    10    24    -14    13

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