Bantu Rovers hope for league title takes a huge knock

BANTU Rovers’ Southern Region Division One Soccer League title hopes took a huge knock when they lost 0-1 on Wednesday to visiting Makomo to surrender top spot to Amagagasi, who beat Talen Vision 1-0.

Rovers remained on 55 points and slipped to third on the league table.

They now trail Amagagasi by three points and second-placed Bulawayo Chiefs by two points, with three rounds of matches left.

Chiefs moved a place up the ladder following a 1-0 win over championship dark horses ZPC Hwange.

Having led the table for 13 weeks, the title race is no longer in Rovers’ hands and how they respond to their loss to Makomo will be key in keeping their slim hopes alive.

Rovers are left with tricky encounters against Black Boots at Fairbridge, ZPC Hwange and Amagagasi.

New log leaders Amagagasi equally have tough assignments left, starting with tomorrow’s top of the table clash against Chiefs.

Amagagasi will then face rejuvenated Indlovu Iyanyathela in Bulawayo on Week 29 before playing host to Rovers in their final game of the season.

To remain in firm control of their destiny, Amagagasi need to win or force a draw against Chiefs then collect maximum points against Indlovu Iyanyathela and Rovers.

But Amagagasi will have to be at their best if they’re to beat Chiefs, who will be hoping to use home advantage to dislodge the Victoria Falls-based side and go to the top of the table for the first time this season.

Under the guidance of Thulani Sibanda, Chiefs sneaked back into the title race, which is now certain to go to the wire.

Sibanda is not new to championship demands and will be hoping to repeat his 2011 and 2013 feats when he won the regional titles with Quelaton and Chiefs. Chiefs went on to trade their Premiership franchise with Rovers, who only lasted a season in the topflight.

After the Amagagasi game, Chiefs will play Bosso 90 at home then wrap up their season with an away game against Ntabazinduna.