Bulawayo Chiefs stand on the brink of a Premier Soccer League (PSL) return, needing only two final victories to clinch the Zifa Southern Region Soccer League title and secure promotion.
The Ninjas fortified their promotion bid with a commanding 5-0 victory over NUST at the Chiefs Village on Saturday.
The win was powered by a brace from Anesu Saiti, with additional goals from Panashe Shoko, Lewis Milanzi, and Zibusiso Dambo.
The triumph comes amid off-field controversy, as rivals Hwange and Nkayi United have challenged the eligibility of Saiti, the league's leading scorer with 11 goals.
Chiefs maintain that the former Bulawayo City and Black Mambas striker is properly registered.
The weekend results proved pivotal for Chiefs.
While they extended their lead, title challengers Hwange were held to a goalless draw by Megawatt FC, and Nkayi United also played to a 0-0 stalemate against Casmyn.
The outcomes leave Chiefs firmly in control with 70 points, opening a seven-point gap over second-placed Hwange (63).
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Nkayi United sits third with 60 points.
An elated coach John Nyikadzino hailed his team's performance.
"I am impressed and excited; the boys came to the party today," he said.
"This is a giant step towards what we want to achieve, which is promotion.
"I'm very happy."
Chiefs can now seal the title with a win against Eagle Life at Raylton this afternoon, followed by a victory over Bosso 90 this weekend.
In today's other crucial fixtures, Hwange face Bulawayo City, while Nkayi United are set to be awarded a walkover victory against the withdrawn Ajax Hotspurs, which would move them to 63 points.
Should Chiefs secure promotion, they will join Eastern Region champions FC Hunters in the top flight.
Hunters sealed their historic PSL ticket after beating Tenax 2-1, becoming the first club from Marondera to achieve this feat.
The promotion would also bolster the Southern Region's presence in the PSL, which currently has only two representatives—Highlanders and Chicken Inn—both of whom are fighting relegation with three games remaining.
