BY BHEKIMPILO WEZA
Dragons Football Club were crowned Chidobe Kachecheti Football League champions after beating Lupinyo Bullets by a single goal in a closely contested match at the Number Five grounds over the weekend.
Dragons, who came into the match needing a single point to wrap up a closely contested league race, did it in style with a beauty of a goal 69 minutes into the match through 19 year-old striker Talent Ndlovu.
The young striker, who also scored from the spot last week when Dragons defeated Mopane at the same venue, was playing his first full match for the champions and did not disappoint with a gem of a goal, which eventually decided the destiny of the league championship.
The match started at a cracking pace with Lupinyo Bullets hitting the crossbar three minutes into the match from a Khulumani Mathe header after a beautiful set up by Mthokozisi Ncube.
Dragons, who missed their top striker Mqabuko Ndlovu struggled to get the much needed firepower upfront, but they managed to hold on until the 69th minute, when Ndlovu got them a goal after being set up by Njabulo Moyo.
Dragons coach Lot Moyo said he was happy that his side was crowned champions.
“I want to thank the whole Chika board for the smooth running of the league, although at some point we had problems with match officials. Otherwise thank you on behalf of the team,” Moyo said.
His captain Abel Dube also applauded the players for winning the league.
“It really shows us how this league has grown. Winning the league with so much competition proves how strong the league is.” he said.
Despite the victory Dube refused to name his player of the season, but praised every player for their effort in the title race.
“We play as a unit, l can’t mention names but at Dragons, we are always there for each other,” he said.
The win took the Dragons’ point tally to 37, seven ahead of second placed Masters who dropped further down after a home one all draw with Zamalek.
The other four teams still battling for top four finish are Masters, Mopane, Ajax and Lupinyo Bullets.
Ajax made it look easy with an away victory over Mopane on Saturday and the 2-1 took them up to third on the table with Lupinyo falling down to fourth after their defeat to the champions.
As the curtain comes down on the league, it all remains to be seen who will join Dragons for the three slots up for grabs in the champions’ league.
The champions’ league is expected to start on November 13 and is expected to conclude before Christmas.
Results at a glance
Masters 1 Zamalek 1
Dragon 1 Lupinyo Bullets 0
Ajax 2 Mopane 1