Division 1 pacesetters clash

FIREWORKS are expected at Luveve Stadium tomorrow when Southern Region Division One Soccer League leaders Bantu Rovers take on second placed Bulawayo Chiefs with the hope of extending their unbeaten run to eight games.

Chiefs will be aiming to complete a double against the runaway leaders who they beat 1-0 in the first leg played in June.

Remmington Masuku who has since left Chiefs for Botswana’s Premiership side Mochudi Centre Chiefs scored the solitary goal that sunk Rovers.

The former Premiership side managed to pick themselves up from the Chiefs loss and in the process collected 17 points from a possible 21, from five wins and two draws.

Rovers go into tomorrow’s game bubbling in confidence following last weekend’s 3-0 away win against table anchors ZRP Hwange.

Nokel Security Zifa Southern Region Division One League May and July Top Goal Scorer Fortune Nkomazana, Joshua Wilson and Sean Harrison scored for Rovers in Hwange.

On the other hand Chiefs are a wounded lion after succumbing to a 0-2 loss to Talen Vision in a match where senior players Joseph Mutambiranwa and Moses Majika missed penalties.

Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda is wary of Rovers.

“I think it’s going to be a good game and Bantu Rovers are a good side and enjoying great form.

“It’s tricky facing a side like that but we’re going to give our all and fight to the best of our ability. Hopefully we’re going to get a good result,” said Sibanda.

Chiefs will bank on strikers Adrian Banana, Farai Matare and Kundishora Chakanyuka for search of goals while Desire Shumbanhete, Mutambiranwa and Majika will be thrust in midfield.

Rovers coach Johannes Ngodzo is hopeful of a fruitful outing.

“Obviously we strive to continue on a positive footing every time we get to the ground. We’re looking forward to maintaining our good run and the guys have been working hard to make sure that we get a positive result,” said Ngodzo.

Rovers will bank on, among other seasoned players, Zephaniah Ngodzo, Lindelani Vice Ncube, Nkomazana, Wilson and striker Lenience Mpofu.

They also have former national team defender Gilbert Banda, national Under-20 striker Bukhosi Sibanda, Gladman Bharibhari and Denzel Khumalo.

Meanwhile, ZPC Hwange faces Technosphere in a Hwange derby while Victoria Falls based side Amagagasi are away to Ntabazinduna.