BUSCOD Southern Region Division One championship contenders Quelaton and Bantu Rovers got a rude awakening at the weekend as they both lost their games leaving the race still open. Log leaders Quelaton succumbed to their second defeat of the season at the hands of Makokoba City Warriors who went into the game in the relegation zone.Ā  Makokoba City Warrior beat Quelaton 1-0 while Bantu Rovers, second on the log with 17 points, lost 3-1 to Black Boots.

Bantu were missing the services of the injured duo of goalkeeper Takunda Mutanga and captain Edwin Nkomo.Ā  It was Bantu Roversā€™ first loss of the season. The former Premiership club has five wins, two draws and a loss. Tshintsha Guluvaā€™s experienced duo of Johannes Ngodzo and Richard Choruma failed to inspire youngsters to victory. Some of the Bantu Roversā€™ players who have been consistently performing are Moodley Njeleza, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Marvellous Nakamba and Kelvin Moyo. Ā Nakamba scored the consolation goal for Bantu.

Quelaton where let down by complacency and concede a soft early in the second half. After the goal, Kwela kwela dominated, but failed to crack the warriors defence as they desperately hurried their attack.Ā  Third placed New West seems to have lost the plot as they failed to win for the second week in a row. New West was held to a goalless draw by Victoria Falls side Sao Paolo at Luveve Stadium on Saturday. New West started without their dependable attack of striker Ngombengombe Kazhuwe and mid fielder Makhosini Ncube. This left Captain Nkosinathi ā€œTorresā€ Mhlanga and veteran Farai Mujokoro unsupported in attack.Ā  Despite the results the top three remained unchanged with Kwela Kwela still perched at the apex of the standings.

Mandla ā€œLuluā€ Mpofuā€™s Railstars failed as they drew 2-2 with Mpumalanga United. ā€œIt is still game on and we are not under any pressure at all. The guys have been playing well and we are getting there. Once we hit the right note you will see results staring to come our way.ā€ ā€œIf you look at our statistics we have only lost once and drawn five games which is not all bad,ā€ said Mpofu.Ā  Railstars are fifth on the log and trail the log leaders by five points. The coach believes they will close the gap before mid season.