Chinthenga hat-trick blows SRFL race open

 

The Peter Mutharika Southern Region Football League (SRFL) Premier Division marathon will go down to the wire after Vincent Chinthenga’s hat-trick inspired second-placed Bvumbwe Research while leaders, Nchalo United bit the dust in Liwonde on Saturday.

Bvumbwe brushed aside Bangwe All Stars 3-2, courtesy of Chinthenga’s three goals at Kamuzu Stadium as coach Bob Mpinganjira’s charges went within two points of leaders Nchalo who lost 1-0 to Liwonde Medicals.

With four games remaining, Bvumbwe have 64 points, while Nchalo have 66.

At the giant arena, Bvumbwe led 2-0 as the combination of the division’s top scorer, Chinthenga (20 goals) and second-placed Mayeso Mphanje  (19) proved too much for Bangwe.

The Mighty Wanderers reject Chinthenga headed home from cross before making it two when he finished off Thoko Mbandambanda’s lovely ball-work.

Chinthenga, who used to play as left winger at Wanderers in 2010 season, completed the rout, drilling home a direct free kick to put matters beyond the reach of Bangwe who also eventually claimed their two goals.

“I owe it to the coach [Bob Mpinganjira] who encouraged me back to football when I had given up after my frustrating spell at Wanderers,” Chinthenga said. In other results, Lab Enterprises beat Chanco 1- 0, Prison United hammered Tigers Reserve 4-0 while Brave Warriors drew 1-1 with Rock United.