Resurgent Nkayi United dominated the Pacific Breeze Southern Region July Awards, sweeping three of the four awards on offer.
The Bulawayo-based side’s remarkable turnaround in the Pacific Breeze Southern Region Soccer League got recognition following a stunning run of form that is turning heads in the region.
Goalkeeper Romeo Zimba, striker Tino Chitete, and veteran coach Daniel Ndlovu have all been crowned winners in their respective categories, a fitting tribute to a team that has won five consecutive matches without conceding a single goal.
Talen Vision’s Lucky Vundla walked away with the Player of the Month Award.
The former Sheasham, Manica Diamonds and Costa Do Sol striker has been the brightest torch in the Talen Vision camp scoring crucial goals.
His impressive brace against Bulawayo City this month underlined his status as one of the best forwards in the league.
Nkayi’s resurgence came after a shock 1-0 defeat to Casmyn on 21 June, a result that now appears to have been the turning point rather than a setback.
Since that loss, Nkayi United have been virtually unstoppable, blending defensive resilience with attacking firepower to climb to third position on the table.
During this remarkable run, Nkayi have dispatched Imbizo 2-0, Aqua Stars twice by 3-0 margins, and thumped Bosso 90 twice — winning 4-0 and 3-0. Chitete has been the chief destroyer, netting five goals across those fixtures, including two braces, to reaffirm his status as one of the league’s most lethal forwards.
Nkayi are now third on the log with 36 points from 19 matches, nine points behind log leaders Hwange, opening up the promotion race.
Zimba has been the rock at the back, keeping five clean sheets in five matches, with a defence that has looked impenetrable.
His command of the penalty area and shot-stopping ability have given the team a solid foundation upon which to build their winning run.
At the other end of the pitch, Chitete has rediscovered his lethal touch, topping the scoring charts with with five goals during the period under consideration.
The former Emakhandeni Pirates striker has been in devastating form, tormenting defences and proving why he remains one of the most feared forwards in the league.
Behind the scenes, Ndlovu has masterminded the transformation. The experienced coach was full of praise for his star striker as quoted after their 3-0 victory over Bosso 90.
“We are very happy for Chitete. He has been working very hard at training, and the goals are a reward for that effort. He scored a similar goal in our practice game against Chicken Inn, which shows he is on the right track. We are delighted that he has picked up form at the right time,” said Ndlovu.
The veteran coach was also quick to acknowledge the defensive unit that has made life difficult for opposition attackers.
“I’m also very proud of the defence and the goalkeeper. Five clean sheets in a row is no accident. The boys have been disciplined, organised, and committed to keeping the ball out of our net. That gives us a platform to go forward and win games,” added Ndlovu.
The trio will receive their awards at Nkayi’s next home fixture. Talen Vision’s impressive forward Lucky Vundla scooped the July player of the month gong.
