Simba Bhora shoots to the top of Northern Region Soccer League

Simba Bhora shoots to the top of Northern Region Soccer League

Ronald 'Rooney' Chitiyo propelled Simba Bhora to the top of the Northern Region Soccer League with a first half strike in the 1-0 win over PAM FC at Wadzanai stadium on Saturday.

Chitiyo picked up a lose ball outside the box and released a pile drive past the PAM FC goalkeeper early into the match.

The former Dynamos and CAPS United midfielder who was on target again the last time Simba Bhora played at home, in the 4-0 triumph against Trojan Stars, was pleased with his contribution towards the team's cause.

"I'm very happy playing such a crucial role for the team. It was a collective team effort but I'm also happy with my own performance. It feels good to repay the faith that the executive, the coaches and the fans has in me with a goal that saw us go on top," Chitiyo said.

"We will continue working hard in the remaining fixtures so that we maintain our position on top of the log standings. It's going to be hard but we have an obligation to deliver to our constituency who look up to us so much to bring glory to Shamva."

Herentals U20 surrendered the top spot after playing out to a goalless draw against Commando Bullets at Commando Barracks. Herentals U20 were unlucky to have their late penalty saved by Commando Bullets goalkeeper Brian Makoni with three minutes to fulltime. The result saw Herentals U20 swap positions with Simba Bhora, dropping into second position, a point behind the Shamva based side.

Junior Bunjira, son to former CAPS United and Warriors forward Alois scored his first goal for Golden Eagles in the 2-1 win over Golden Valley at Ellis Robbins stadium. Bunjira thrust Eagles into the lead in the 62nd minute before Golden Valley equalised three minutes later through Shepherd Munetsi. Former ZPC Kariba and FC Platinum striker Godswill Gwara then restored Eagles' lead nine minutes to full time from the penalty spot.

Black Mambas and Trojan Stars could not be separated at Mkushi Sports Club settling for a 1-1 draw. Mambas coach John 'Toto' Ncube said fatigue was affecting his players as some of them are part of the Team Zimbabwe preparing for the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation Games slated for Tanzania at the beginning of September.

"I think fatigue affected our players because these days, they are training twice because some of them are preparing for the SARPCCO Games due in Tanzania soon. So going forward we need to adjust and see how are can balance the two,"Ncube said.

Trojan Stars coach Ralph Kawondera was contend with a point away from from.

"Tactically we played very well, and things went according to how we planned during the week. I'm pleased with the result, there is still room for improvement. Black Mambas are a big team and snatching a point away from them is commendable,"said Kawondera.

After two consecutive defeats, fifth placed Chegutu Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Come Again in a Mashonaland West derby at Rimuka stadium. Stewart Murisa's Banket United played out to a goalless draw against Chinhoyi Stars on their return to Kuwadzana stadium which was suspended after the violence against Simba Bhora on the last day for violence of the first leg against Simba Bhora.

On Friday, CUMA Academy snatched a point away from home in the 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars U19 at Baobab stadium.
Source: ZIMSPORTS CONNECT 93