Lovemore Boora
MIRROR REPORTER

CHIMANIMANI- Bikita Minerals FC shot to the top of the ZIFA Eastern Division 1 log table after beating fourth-placed Rusitu Tigers 1-0 at Ndima High School grounds on Saturday.
The lithium boys exchanged positions with rivals FC Wangu Mazodze, who fell 2-0 to Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services (ZPCS) outfit Tenax at Mutare Showgrounds.
Bikita Minerals now sits atop the league with 56 Points, a point ahead of FC Wangu Mazodze. Tenax is third with 53 points.
The Lithium boys secured victory via a beautiful first-half goal from in-form and crowd darling Tawanda Mulenga.
End-to-end beautiful exchanges of passes, goal attempts, and mouthwatering saves from goalkeepers were witnessed in the first half.
The second half saw determined play from Rusitu Tigers searching for an equaliser, but the Faustino ‘Heydays’ Mugeji-coached Lithium boys held their nerves and kept the score line 1-0 until the final whistle.
Bikita Minerals spokesperson Collen Nikisi said they are happy with the result.
“The players showed exceptional character and determination under difficult conditions. Rusitu Tigers are a strong team, and they pushed us all the way. We took our chance and converted it thanks to the in-form Tawanda Mulenga in the first half.
“We will not rest on our laurels. We will keep grinding and remain focused. The last two games are like cup finals and we are ready for the task. Coach Mugeji and the players have been a phenomenon and deserve better,” he said.
Second-placed FC Wangu Mazodze spokesperson Sukuoluhle Ndhlovu said her team had not thrown in the towel and believes they can still win the title despite the loss.
“We failed to score today, we wanted a win as winning all the remaining games is a must, however, we are not losing hope, we are still in the race, we are going back to winning ways this weekend when we face Masvingo United at Mucheke Stadium and our last match against Renco Mine,” she said