Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub NKAYI United tightened their grip on the ZIFA Southern Region Division One League with a vital 2–1 away win over Vic Falls Herentals, taking full advantage of stumbles by their closest rivals, Hwange and Bulawayo Chiefs on Wednesday. The league leaders battled to a hard earned victory at Chinotimba Stadium on Wednesday, a result that pushed them to 34 points, three ahead of second-placed Chiefs, who failed to score in Filabusi against Jordan Sinott. Hwange also dropped two crucial points in the derby against Blackrock, held to a goalless draw in front of a packed crowd at Sinderella Ground. Despite dominating large spells of the match, Chipangano couldn’t break down a disciplined Blackrock side that continues to impress in their debut season. Hwange fans, however, found consolation in the overall match experience. “It was a tight match and the referees professionally handled the match. The whole of Hwange was at Sinderella,” said supporters’ chairman Lisutu Ndlovu. Hwange remain third with 28 points, now six off the pace, while Bulawayo Chiefs sit second with 31. The Chiefs recently added attacking depth with the signing of left-footed winger Godfrey Makaruse, but the team failed to capitalise on chances against Sinott. Bulawayo Warriors moved within striking distance after edging Mainline 1–0 in Plumtree. The win lifts them to 27 points, one behind Hwange, and level with both Blackrock and Mainline. This weekend presents a fresh set of challenges in the title race. Nkayi United host Mainline at White City Stadium in Saturday’s marquee fixture. Paul Moyo’s Mainline side will be desperate to bounce back after their midweek loss. Hwange return home to face Imbizo at the Colliery. With their Premier Soccer League ambitions fading, it’s a must win. Chiefs will entertain unpredictable Blackrock at Chiefs Village, no longer pushovers, Blackrock have taken points off both Nkayi and Hwange in recent weeks. Bulawayo Warriors and Bulawayo City face lower-ranked opposition in Jordan Sinott and Ajax Hotspurs, respectively, and are favorites to bag three points. Weekend Fixtures Bulawayo Warriors vs Jordan Sinott (White City B, 12 PM) NUST vs Casmyn (NUST) Bosso 90 vs Zebra Revolution (White City B Arena, 3 PM) Bulawayo City vs Ajax Hotspurs (White City, 3 PM) 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) Midweek Results Ajax Hotspurs 0–3 Talen Vision Blackrock 0–0 Hwange Zebra 2–3 NUST Megawatt 1–1 Bosso 90 Mainline 0–1 Bulawayo Warriors Imbizo 0–0 Eagle Life Jordan Sinott 0–0 Bulawayo Chiefs Vic Falls Herentals 1–2 Nkayi United Log Table (After Week 15) Team P W D L F A Pts Nkayi United 15 10 4 1 24 7 34 Bulawayo Chiefs 15 9 4 2 25 6 31 Hwange 15 8 4 3 23 8 28 Bulawayo Warriors 15 8 3 4 18 8 27 Blackrock 14 7 3 4 11 5 24 Mainline 15 7 3 5 19 21 24 Talen Vision 15 6 4 5 18 9 22 Bosso 90 15 6 4 5 18 15 22 Megawatt 15 5 5 5 7 9 20 Casmyn 13 6 1 6 13 11 19 Bulawayo City 14 5 4 5 15 14 19 Eagle Life 15 5 4 6 11 15 19 Vic Falls Herentals 15 4 6 5 10 9 18 Imbizo 15 4 5 6 10 16 17 Zebra Revolution 15 5 1 9 17 31 16 Jordan Sinott 15 2 4 9 7 22 10 NUST 15 2 3 10 5 20 9 Ajax Hotspurs 15 2 2 11 6 26 8