Southern Region Soccer League: Hwange thump Zebra Revolution to restore 4-point lead

Hwange FC reasserted their authority at the top of the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zebra Revolution, moving their lead back to four points just 24 hours after Talen Vision had closed the gap to one.

Talen Vision had piled the pressure on Saturday with a commanding 3-0 win over BlackRock at White City Stadium, Gabriel Rugoho opening from the penalty spot in the 9th minute before Tawanda Kaduwa doubled the lead early in the second half and Joseph Antonyo added a third to close to within a single point of Chipangano.

Hwange responded perfectly the next day as Morestuff Ncube scored in each half to complete his brace and take his season tally to eight, with Mufaro Mutena adding a second-half strike in a sharp, composed team display that was a direct response to their 1-1 midweek draw with Imbizo FC.

Nkayi United also had reason to celebrate after Karel Jawa’s cool 39th minute penalty lifted them to a 1-0 win over 10-men Mosi Rovers at Chinotimba Stadium yesterday to take them to sixth position, ending a difficult run that included a Munhumutapa Cup exit to Jordan FC and a goalless draw with Khami United.

The breakthrough came when Tino Chitete was fouled in the box and Jawa stepped up to convert, with Nkayi then defending with discipline to protect the advantage until full time.

Speaking after the match, player of the match Jawa said the supporters lifted him:

“When the crowd starts to sing my name I get motivated to keep pushing, and that is what happened today. It also helps me to assist the team to win. But we needed to do better,” he said.

We were all over them from the first whistle until the last minute. We were supposed to score more goals but we missed the opportunities that we created. A 1-0 scoreline is not always safe. That is the disappointing part,” added Jawa.

Elsewhere, Megawatt rose to fourth after a 2-1 win at Turkmine thanks to goals from Kivy Zulu and Tinashe Mtshiya, with Anonz Russel Tamika pulling one back late for Casmyn.

Jordan FC moved to third after a 2-1 comeback win over Bulawyo Warriors, Jefios Sibanda scoring twice including an 89th minute winner after John Ngwenya had put the home side ahead. Khami United delighted their fans with a 3-0 home win over Vic Falls Herentials, Dumolwenkosi Nkomo netting twice and Alix Ncube adding the third.

There was late drama as Imbizo battled back to earn a 1-1 draw against Aqua Stars when Craig Nyongoloba headed home deep into stoppage time after Takunda Chakudunga had given the hosts the lead in the 54th minute, and Bulawayo City edged Zimbabwe Saints 3-2 in a thriller at Luveve B Arena where Tatenda Ushe scored a brace including a penalty to reach four goals for the season despite both coach Thulani “Beefy” Ncube and forward Nkosikhona Ryan Masumbike seeing red early.

With Hwange now four points clear and Talen Vision breathing down their necks, the title race is set up for a tense run-in, and Match Day 14 promises more drama as Jordan FC face Talen Vision in a huge clash at Mthwakazi Ground while the Coalminers look to keep their grip at the summit.