BULAWAYO - Former Premier Soccer League campaigners Bantu Rovers have opened a two-point lead at the summit of the Southern Region Division One log standings after edging New West 2-1 at the weekend.

Goals from veteran players Johannes Ngodzo and Abraham Mbaiwa propelled Reuben Tsengwa’s side to their 16th win of the season, which took their season’s points tally to 51.

Gold miners How Mine eased to second position on 49 points after dismissing Makhandeni 3-0 while ZPC Hwange dropped to third position after losing 3-2 to Black Boots.

Touted as one of the favourites for promotion this year, ZPC lost ground on the log leaders after the weekend setback and now trail Bantu by four points.

Debutants Tsholotsho were the weekend’s biggest winners with an emphatic 5-1 defeat of bottom-placed Projects.

Qaphelani Hoqo Ndebele grabbed a brace for the Lizwe Sweswe-coached side while the other goals came from linkman Ocean Ncube, captain William Stima and the hard-running Justice Siziba.

Zimbabwe Saints returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over fellow Bulawayo side Sizani Fruit & Veg.
“Chauya Chikwata” got their goals from double-scorer Denford Mungono.

Another former top flight side Railstars continued to live up to their reputation as draw specialists when they drew their 11th match of the season 1-1 against Bulawayo Chiefs.

Njanji were at some point considered to be the dark horses in the promotion race but now trail Bantu by a whooping 10 points after playing out a string of draws.

RESULTS

How Mine 3 v Emakhandeni Pirates 0, Black Boots 3 v ZPC Hwange 2, Bulawayo Chiefs 1 v Rail Stars 1, Sizani Fruits 1 v Zimbabwe Saints 2, Rufaro Rovers 1 v Hwange Juniors 2, Tsholotsho FC 5 v Projects 1, Ntabazinduna 2 v Power Cosmos 2, Bantu Rovers 2 v New West 1. - Sakheleni Nxumalo