The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
IN social media lingo, Dynamos and Filabusi United are in the same WhatsApp group!
What could the boys from the gold mining town of Filabusi have in common with the Glamour Boys from the country’s capital city? It seems Amalalandawonye, as Filabusi United are known to their followers are emulating DeMbare this season. Filabusi United, who are in their maiden season in the Zifa Central Region Division One League are on the same page with the 22 times Zimbabwean champions.
The two teams are well-known for being involved in draws this season, something which has affected their aspirations. Dynamos came from behind to draw 1-1 with Highlanders last Sunday at Rufaro, the 16th time this season that they have been involved in a stalemate. It has been a frustrating few months for Dynamos who last won a match in August. What is interesting is that Dynamos have gone on a 16-match unbeaten run since they were beaten 1-0 by Highlanders at Barbourfields in June.
Filabusi United have had 15 of their 32 league encounters end in a stalemate while they have won just four times this season.
Their latest draw was at home against Dendairy at Mthwakazi Stadium in Filabusi which ended 0-0. Filabusi United have scored 23 goals while their defence has been breached 35 times, which has left them with a negative goal difference.
Stalemates are not helping Filabusi United’s situation as they find themselves in the relegation zone. The last win for Filabusi United came at the end of September when they clobbered Real BVM 4-0 at home, having picked up a 2-0 victory over The Venue in Maphisa a week before.
With just three fixtures left, Filabusi United are 15th on the 18-team log and will be relegated should they fail to get out of the drop zone. The Parkington Mazhawu-captained Filabusi United face ZRP Gweru in the Midlands capital this afternoon.
Meanwhile, whatever happens to Filabusi United, all hope is not lost as chances are high there will still be a Division One team in Insiza district next year.
Talen Vision Academy look set to be promoted from the Zifa Matabeleland South Division Two League at the end of the season. Coached by Xolani Nkundhlande, TV Academy drew 1-1 with Habane Pirates in a well attended match at Mpelele Stadium in Esigodini last Sunday.
Spencer Sikhosana opened the scoring for TV Academy in the first half in which they dominated and the boys from Filabusi seemed to have sealed a double over the log leaders only for Habane Pirates skipper Tonderai Muhambi equalised a few minutes before the end.
Habane Pirates, who take on Gwanda Delete in the Matabeleland South capital this afternoon are still on top of the log with 50 points while the yet to be beaten TV Academy are second with 47.
While Habane Pirates are playing their last league encounter for this season, TV Academy, whose opponents in Filabusi this afternoon are Horn Mine still have to face West Nicholson away.
With two teams to be promoted into the Zifa Central Region Division One, Habane Pirates and TV Academy will certainly be playing in that league next season.
