eBusiness Weekly
Africa Moyo
On recent form, one would have been forgiven for thinking that Bulawayo Chiefs are the defending champions or are topping the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Two straight wins in the last two games from high — riding Ngezi FC and Highlanders, on an identical 1-0 score line, has earned debutants Bulawayo Chiefs the moniker, giant killers.
Apart from the last two victims, Bulawayo Chiefs have also beaten defending champions FC Platinum.
In total, Bulawayo Chiefs have chalked up four wins out of the 16 games played so far.
The team has also drawn six of their games while the other four have been lost.
It is definitely not a bad return for the league’s new boys who currently sit on 10th position in the 18-team league.
But Bulawayo Chiefs’ paltry 18 points make it a strong contender for relegation considering that it is only seven points above Mutare City, which anchors the log.
However, Bulawayo City’s three victories over new log leaders FC Platinum, second-placed Ngezi FC and fourth-placed Highlanders, is set to send shivers down the spines of other top teams.
FC Platinum were mauled 2-0 back in April while for Ngezi, it was their first defeat in 15 games.
Interestingly, Ngezi failed to rediscover itself from the Bulawayo Chiefs’ defeat and succumbed to a second successive defeat to fellow platinum miners, FC Platinum, in the last assignment.
Victories over title — chasing sides by small teams usually matter towards the end of the season and it is unclear if the losses by Ngezi, FC Platinum and Highlanders will affect their chances of winning the league since they have come midway through the season.
Veteran football commentator Charles “CNN” Mabika told Business Weekly this week that there is a possibility that the teams might rue their losses.
For Ngezi, the effects are already there for everyone to see.
After holding on to top position on the log with a vice-like grip since the start of the season, Madamburo, as Ngezi are known by their legion of fans, have since dropped to second.
Defending champions FC Platinum then piled more misery on Ngezi after defeating them 2-1 at their fortress — Baobab Stadium — last weekend to rise to the summit of the log.
Bosso also relinquished third place to Triangle — who are doing well this season — after crumbling against Bulawayo Chiefs.
The impact of the defeats don’t look severe at the moment, but come November, some of the teams would be cursing themselves for losing to Bulawayo Chiefs.
Bulawayo Chiefs were humorous all of last week, indicating that they were ready to topple Bosso in a fair contest.
“Good morning Zimbabwe. Yes we are also feeling the chill in Byo (Bulawayo) but we can’t stay in bed and not train . . . we are out here in the field scheming and plotting,” said the team on its Twitter handle.
The team was also indicated that the game would be played in conducive atmosphere that did not warrant the presence of police officers.
“Dear riot police. We think on Sunday you don’t need to come in huge numbers for our game versus Bosso. This would be good time to take the (water) cannon truck for a wash.
“As for tear-gas, lock it up the charge office.” It remains to be seen if the team would continue with its knack of slaying giants, and possibly survive relegation.
