Three-Horse Race in SRSL
The Southern Region Soccer League remains fiercely contested with the top three teams winning their Week 20 fixtures.
Bulawayo Chiefs, who top the standings by virtue of a superior goal difference, edged Filabusi-based Jordan 1-0.
Anesu Saiti continued his scoring vein since moving from Bulawayo City in the midseason break, scoring the all-importantnt goal.
John Nyikadzino’s men sit on 44 points from 20 matches with a healthy goal difference of +23. Amakhosi Amahle seem poised for a quick return to the Premier League, boasting the league’s meanest defence, having conceded only six goals while scoring 29.
However, Nkayi United continues to give their experienced opponents a good run, edging a resilient Vic Falls City Herentals 1-0 at White City Stadium.
A well-executed strike from former Chicken Inn and Arenel Movers winger Leroy “Sparta” Ndlovu, which beat the impressive goalkeeper Anesu Dari at the near post, was enough to seal an important victory for Daniel Ndlovu’s charges.
The win snapped a two-match winless run since the start of the second half of the season, keeping them in contention for the crown.
Coach Ndlovu was also awarded his Coach of the Month accolade on the same afternoon.
Last Wednesday, a ferocious free-kick from Merceline Mlilo sealed a 1-0 victory for third-placed Hwange at the Colliery Stadium as they briefly assumed top spot. Chipangano are now three points behind the leading pack.
Fourth-placed Bulawayo Warriors made light work of Mainline FC, as three first-half goals dismantled the Plumtree-based outfit. Adonis Nyoni, the exciting Godwin Jena, and an own goal by Isaac Katsande propelled Rogers Ndlovu’s team to 35 points, keeping them within striking distance.
Their shot stopper Brandon Phiri was handed the July goalkeeper of the month accolade just before their afternoon encounter on Saturday.
Mainline coach Siza Mguni accepted the result, opining that his team was outclassed in all departments and that his boys were slow off the blocks.
Talen Vision remained fifth after earning a point from their match against Ajax Arenel Movers, who remain in the doldrums following the withdrawal of finances by the club’s main sponsor. Kudzie Mhandire’s men are on 32 points.
Their midfield trump card, Mayfort Tshuma was awarded the July SRSL player of the month, pocketing $200.
At the bottom of the table, NUST FC’s struggles continued after a 2-1 defeat to Zebra Revolution left them rooted second from bottom.
Jordan, after their defeat to Chiefs, are third from bottom. Zimiseleni Moyo’s Eagle Life are fourth from bottom after suffering their 10th defeat of the season at home to Imbizo at Raylton Sports Club.
Three-Horse Race in SRSL
