Lovemore Dube Zimpapers Sports Hub NKAYI United have taken full control of the ZIFA Southern Region Division One League title race after snatching a gritty 2–1 away win over Vic Falls Herentals. THEIR closest challengers, Bulawayo Chiefs and Hwange, stumbled in midweek drama. Playing at Chinotimba Stadium on Wednesday, the log leaders showed steel and hunger, grabbing three crucial points to stretch their tally to 34 — three ahead of Chiefs and six clear of Hwange. While Nkayi were grinding out a win, Bulawayo Chiefs fluffed their lines in Filabusi, playing out a dull goalless draw against bottom-half Jordan Sinott despite their flashy new signing, left-footed winger Godfrey Makaruse. It got worse for Hwange. Despite dominating the derby against newcomers Blackrock, Chipangano couldn’t find a breakthrough, settling for a frustrating 0–0 draw at a packed Sinderella Ground. Still, Hwange fans were buzzing about the occasion. “It was a tight match and the referees handled it professionally. The whole of Hwange came to support,” said supporters’ chairman Lisutu Ndlovu. The slip-ups saw Chiefs remain second on 31 points, Hwange third on 28. Bulawayo Warriors, fresh from a 1–0 win over Mainline in Plumtree, are now breathing down Hwange’s neck with 27 points. They are level with both Blackrock and Mainline, who also sit on 24 points. This Weekend’s Title Showdowns The stage is set for a cracking weekend. Nkayi United host Mainline in Sunday’s blockbuster at White City Stadium, while Hwange return to the Colliery for a must-win clash against Imbizo to salvage their fading Premier Soccer League dream. Chiefs will have their hands full against giant-slayers Blackrock, who have already stolen points from both Hwange and Nkayi. Meanwhile, Warriors and Bulawayo City face lower-ranked opponents in Jordan Sinott and Ajax Hotspurs — both expected to collect maximum points. Saturday Fixtures Bulawayo Warriors vs Jordan Sinott (White City B, 12PM) NUST vs Casmyn (NUST) Bosso 90 vs Zebra Revolution (White City B Arena, 3PM) Bulawayo City vs Ajax Hotspurs (White City, 3PM) Bulawayo Chiefs vs Blackrock (Chiefs Village) Hwange vs Imbizo (Colliery) Eagle Life vs Vic Falls Herentals (Raylton) Talen Vision vs Megawatt (Mthwakazi) Nkayi United vs Mainline (White City) Log Table (After Week 15) • Nkayi United – 34 pts • Bulawayo Chiefs – 31 pts • Hwange – 28 pts • Bulawayo Warriors – 27 pts • Blackrock – 24 pts • Mainline – 24 pts • Talen Vision – 22 pts • Bosso 90 – 22 pts • Megawatt – 20 pts • Casmyn – 19 pts • Bulawayo City – 19 pts • Eagle Life – 19 pts • Vic Falls Herentals – 18 pts • Imbizo – 17 pts • Zebra Revolution – 16 pts • Jordan Sinott – 10 pts • NUST – 9 pts • Ajax Hotspurs – 8 pts With every game a potential title decider, the battle for promotion is on fire and Nkayi United are blazing ahead.