The Sunday News
Mandla Moyo, Sports Reporter
THE finishing line for Bulawayo Social Soccer League (BSSL) teams is getting close with each passing week, at the same time the light switched on by the pacesetters in both pools is still shining bright ahead of them in the final stretch home.
As part of efforts to line up themselves for the big day at the end of the season, the traditional Champion of Champions final pitting the best two teams from each pool, all the top contenders were impressive last week.
Champions 70 combination finally remembered how to win by thumping the Edgars “the smart boys” of the league 4-0. The next team to register an impressive win was the Stars FC whose juggernaut embarrassed CreamTata in their back yard 9-0 to cement their position at the top.
The win saw Stars amass a total of 110 points from 41 games, led by the former Zimbabwe Saints as well Bosso utility player, Chipo Tsodzo and the Mtewa brothers Gideon and Master, they have scored a record 227 games while letting in just 23 goals.
When asked if they were already stocking champagne bottles for the crowning moment, Stars secretary general Linda Bhebhe was optimistic that they will cross the line ahead of the chasing pack though cautious at the same time.
Man United, who occupy second spot led by the former Highlander speed merchant Abraham Mubaiwa dispatched Congo 3-0 taking their tally to 92 points from 41 games. They have scored 147 goals while conceding 57 goals to date.
Mthala who are still in the running for the second spot continue to donate points like confetti at a wedding after falling going down 2-1 to Fireworks “The land Lords” from Cowdray Park.
In pool B log leaders Skippers who sit on 101 points from a similar number of games were in no mood to take any prisoners after thumping Valley at their own backyard 7-1. Their nearest rivals, Mayihlome returned home a happy lot after seeing off Pioneer 3-1 away from home. Real Magwegwe who still have a say when it comes to second position beat Robert Sinyoka 2-0 to remain in the hunting for the second spot which is still open.
Fixtures
Pool A
Glenkara v Funda (Somhlolo Stadium), Strivers v Edgars (TM Cowdray Park), Ndola v C/Masters (Iminyela), Congo v 70 Comb (Inyathi, Mpopoma), Iminyela v Mthala (Iminyela), Old Timers v CreamTata (Silwane, Pumula North), Vule Vale v Zulu Chiefs (Magwegwe West Crèche), Legends v Man Utd (Food For Less, Emganwini), Fireworks v Bullets (Luveve High), Pirates v Makwee(Rugby New Lob), Patapata v Stars (Iminyela two),Tigers v B/hood ((Mazai , Makokoba),Santos v Khami (Silwane, Old Pumula).
Pool B
Sinyoka v Zonke (Emarorini, Pumula South), Matshobana v Mayihlome (Matshobana),R/Magwegwe v Nkulumane (Magwegwe Sec), Zobha v Pioneer (Engotsheni, Sizinda), Zinwa v Pelandaba (Mambo, Tshabalala),Shwelele v Wembley (Inyathi, Mpopoma), W/Com v Njube (Induba Pry), NJC v R/Shwelele (Mazai Makokoba, Lobels v Finance (Matshobana), Skippers v Gwabalanda (Bango, Mpopoma), Bombers v Mabutweni (Esiporweni, Entumbane), Siyabangena v Celtics (Phekiwe Nkulumane), H/valley v Crackers (TBA).
