The 2011 Bantu Rovers class got off to a promising start with a nil all draw away to Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) at ZPC Grounds in Hwange on Saturday March 26th.

ZPC started on the front foot forcing two saves from impressive Bantu Rovers goalkeeper Takunda “TK” Mutanga inside the first ten minutes.  With ZPC playing a physical game Bantu lost winger Agrippa Peperere to injury after just five minutes.  The young Bantu squad eventually settled and started to come out of their shell and got the best chance of the half when Mthulisi Nkomo shot just wide with only the goalkeeper to beat at the end of the half.

The second half was a see-saw affair with Bantu dominating the final fifteen minutes, literally camping in the ZPC half.  Nkomo was unlucky when he failed to connect with a cross from Levyson Dube on the right with the goalkeeper already beaten.  In the end Bantu had to settle for a point.  Coach Lunga was satisfied with the point.  “It was a tough match as ZPC has a strong side.  I thought we were very nervous in the beginning but we came into our own as the match progressed and were unlucky not to get a goal in the second half as we put a lot on pressure on them.  This season a point away from home is not going to be enough but for our first game its okay. We now have to focus on our next match at home to How Mine next weekend where we will be gunning for maximum points”  The result puts Bantu in 9th position after the first round but a win in the next match will see “Tshintsha Guluva” as Bantu is affectionately known shoot up to the top four.  The league is not decided after one game but after thirty games.  Bring on How Mine!

Bantu meets How Mine at home in the next fixture which will be confirmed on Thursday, March 31.

Line Up
1. Takunda Mutanga
2. Levyson Dube
3. Elvis Moyo
4. Xolisani Khumalo
5. Edwin Nkomo
6. Nqobizitha Masuku
7. Agrippa Peperere (Mduduzi Dube, 5min)
8. Johannes Ngozo (Zanempilo Khuphe, 85min)
9. Kevin Moyo
10. Marvellous Nakamba
11.Mthulisi Nkomo (Moodley Njeleza, 82min)

Subs
Mduduzi Maphosa
Nefitary Ndale
Wallace Magalane
Kudakwashe Mahachi