Zim Leopard on track for top-four finish

AMBITIOUS Zim Leopards kept their hopes of a top four finish by hammering campaigners Black Boots 3-1 on Wednesday.

The Iminyela-based side are enjoying a good run in their debut season in the Southern Region Division One league compared to township rivals Chiwororo, who are languishing in the relegation zone.

Leopards and Chiwororo were promoted into First Division together, but the former, who were runners-up in the 2016 Bulawayo Division Two league, are proving their worth in the second tier league.

Ansley Musvaka, Dominic Nyika and Tawanda Zinaka scored in the win over Black Boots to take their points tally to 33 and fifth place on the league table.

Leopards are tied on 33 points with fourth-placed Makomo.

Leonard Sibanda, Leopards’ manager, said they want to finish the season strongly to set a firm foundation for next year’s campaign.

“I think we have done well in our first year, which we used to learn the ropes in the First Division. What we want is a strong finish and probably a top four finish. We are an ambitious side that believes in affording our youngsters a platform to enjoy their football and develop. Over the years we’ve produced players that are in the Premiership and our hope is that we will end the season strongly and market our players to topflight sides. The other thing inspiring us to work harder is to lay a foundation for next season’s campaign,” said Sibanda.

Among Leopards’ products that now play in the topflight league are Benson Phiri (Highlanders), ZPC Kariba striker Francesco Zekumbawire and Tsholotsho FC utility player, Xolani Ndlovu.

Outstanding players Leopards might struggle to hold onto include the defensive duo of Lee Matizirofa and Modern Nleya, strikers Zinaka, Tambudzai Ngulube and Marlvin Dube. Ngulube and Dube have each scored six goals.

Leopards are under the guidance of Tobias Mudyambanje and Chipo Tsodzo, who joined the club during the mid-season transfer window. The two have won six out of their nine games in charge.

Meanwhile, Bosso 90 lost 0-1 to Talen Vision, leaving their hopes of a top four finish under threat.

“Our aim is to finish among the top four and I’m sure the last games of the season will be interesting. We have to retain our composure, fight hard and make sure we win our game against Mosi Rovers on Saturday. It won’t be an easy game, but we will do our best,” said Melusi Sibanda, the Bosso 90 head coach, who also doubles up as an assistant to Erol Akbay in the Premiership side. — @ZililoR