Bulawayo Chiefs, Bantu Rovers and Amagagasi coaches have set the tone for a nail-biting end to the Southern Region division One Soccer League by ruling out room for error in their respective weekend games.

Chiefs top the table with 60 points, two ahead of Rovers and Amagagasi.

Chiefs jumped to the top for the first time this season following a 1-0 win over fellow championship contenders Amagagasi last week courtesy of a headed goal by central defender Polite Moyo.

The table toppers have a tricky tie against Bosso 90 at Hartsfield Ground tomorrow, with their eyes set on maximum points.

Thulani Sibanda, the Chiefs’ coach, said his charges are geared up for the encounter.

“We can’t be complacent and we’re expecting a tight game against a youthful Bosso 90. At this stage of the season, there’s no room for error and our boys know that. We’re really looking forward to a good game and we’re going to give our best as we fight for a positive result, in this case a win,” said Sibanda.

Without the injured duo of midfielder Mengezi Dube and striker Qinani Sibanda, Chiefs will bank on Moyo, Rainsome Pavari, Ashton Mhlanga, Desire Shumbanete, Gracious Muleya, Sikhumbulani Dube, Kundishora Chakanyuka, Joseph Mutambiranwa and Winston Chiwetu to garner maximum points against Bosso 90.

Bosso 90 will be looking at bouncing back from a 2-3 loss to Talen Vision.

Should Chiefs beat Bosso 90, while Rovers and Amagagasi lose or draw their matches against ZPC Hwange and Indlovu Iyanyathela respectively, the table toppers will be crowned champions with a game to spare, as they would have reached an unassailable 63 points.

Rovers’ coach Johannes Ngodzo said they need to beat fourth-placed ZPC Hwange.

“We’ve got an important game against ZPC Hwange, which we have to win at all costs. Our opponents are an experienced side, but I feel my youngsters have also proved that they cannot be easily walked over. What we need to do is avoid costly mistakes, win our game and see where we’re at the end of the day,” Ngodzo said.

Seasoned utility player Zephaniah Ngodzo, Lindelani Ncube, national Under-20 striker Bukhosi Sibanda, Obrey Chirinda and Fortune Nkomazana should carry the day for Rovers.

Victoria Falls-based Amagagasi make another trip to Bulawayo in as many weeks for a date with unpredictable Indlovu Iyanyathela.

With the prospect of playing a championship decider  against Rovers on the last day of the season in Victoria Falls, should Chiefs falter, Amagagasi are hard pressed for victory at Indlovu Iyanyathela.

“We’re not throwing in the towel and are going to fight to the last whistle. We’ve prepared in a way that we can get maximum points with the hope that the other title contenders slip. It’s not going to be easy and there is no room for errors in this game, meaning we have to go back home with maximum points,” said Zibonele Ncube, Amagagasi’s coach.

Amagagasi will be depending on goalkeeper Wellington Muuya, Bekithemba Moyo, Mutsa Gwara, Arthur Musiiwa, former Njube Sundowns’ Innocent Ndlovu, Ryan Mabhena and Bright Dzowa tolead them against the army side.

Fixtures
Saturday: Bantu Rovers v ZPC Hwange (Luveve), Bulawayo Chiefs v Bosso 90 (Hartsfield), ZRP Hwange v Victoria Falls Tigers (cancelled), Talen Vision v Ntabazinduna (White City), Indlovu Iyanyathela v Amagagasi (Brad Barracks), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Black Boots (Fairbridge), Casmyn v Makomo (Turk Mine), Hwange Juniors v Technosphere (Hwange)

@ZililoR