BULAWAYO - Former Premiership side Bantu Rovers are well poised for a return to the top flight after their 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe Saints on Saturday propelled them to the top of Southern Region Division One League.

Tshintsha Guluva got their goals from former Highlanders and FC Platinum defender Gilbert Banda and Fortune Nkala.

Banda converted a hotly-disputed penalty in the first half after a goal bound Kevin Scopo Sibanda was brought down by a Saints defender.

The Saints players and technical team were not amused by the penalty call and a brief stoppage ensued as they mobbed the referee.

Nkala then made sure the game was safe when he grabbed Bantu’s second of the day in the dying stages of the match.

Bantu are now on 60 points from 30 matches and lead second-placed How Mine by a single point. The gold miners went into the weekend on pole position but slipped into second after they were held to a three all draw by Hwange Juniors.

Pre-season favorites ZPC Hwange occupy third position with 58 points after playing out a goalless draw against Bulawayo Chiefs.

Lobengula-based New West were the weekend’s biggest winners with a 6-0 demolition of a hapless Makhandeni Pirates.

The Farai Mujokoro-coached side got their goals from double scorers Nkosilathi Mhlanga and Warren Dube while Ryan Mabhena and Martin Tshuma weighed in with a goal apiece. - Sakheleni Nxumalo