Herentals Find Their Moment and Beat Bulawayo Chiefs 2 to 1

Herentals College picked up one of the few wins in a draw heavy Round 28, beating Bulawayo Chiefs 2 to 1 after a strong spell in the second half.

The first half ended without a goal and neither side was able to take control. Herentals stayed patient and eventually found the opening they needed after the break.

Ralph Kawondera scored in the 63rd minute to put the Students ahead. Seven minutes later, Tinashe Mupumha made it 2 to 0 and suddenly Chiefs had a much bigger problem to solve. Clive Rupiya gave the visitors hope with a goal in the 88th minute, but Herentals saw out the final moments and secured all three points.

The win moved Herentals to 48 points from 28 matches and kept them in a strong position in the upper part of the table. They have gone about their season with relatively little noise. The title conversation has mainly centred on Scottland and Hardrock, while the traditional giants attract attention whether they are winning or struggling. Herentals have simply kept collecting points.

Kawondera again showed why he remains so important to the side. He gave Herentals the breakthrough in a tight game, and Mupumha made sure the advantage was strong enough to survive Chiefs' late response.

For Bulawayo Chiefs, Rupiya's goal came too late to rescue anything from the match. They remain above the main relegation battle, but they will want to avoid being dragged closer to it during the final weeks of the season.

The result was even more valuable because so many teams around Herentals dropped points. Ngezi Platinum Stars drew, Highlanders drew, Dynamos drew and CAPS United drew. In a round where most clubs stood still, Herentals moved forward.

The championship may be out of reach unless something dramatic happens at the top, but there is still plenty for the Students to play for. A strong finish would underline how consistent they have become in the top flight.

Round 28 did not offer many attacking highlights. Herentals only needed seven good minutes to make sure they were one of the few teams celebrating at the end of it.