Newly-promoted Bantu Rovers were the toast of the day in the Zimbabwe Premier League as they powered past a hapless Yadah FC 7-2 for one of the biggest victories in recent seasons.
Bantu had gone into the encounter as underdogs after registering just one win in six games, but they were already 5-1 to the good by half-time thanks to strikes from hat-trick hero Bukhosi Sibanda, Gladman Bharibhari, Obriel Chirinda and Newman Sianchali.
Sibanda and substitute Mbonisi Ncube scored two more for the rampaging Bantu in the second-half to make Morris Musiyakuvi's double for Gunners little more than a consolation. It was a particularly fulfilling afternoon for teenage forward Sibanda, who became the first player to net a hat-trick in the league since the beginning of last season.
Ngezi Platinum moved back to the summit of the log table following a hard-fought 1-0 win over visiting Shabanie Mine. Left-back Qadr Amin scored the only goal of the match after being set up by impressive playmaker Donald Teguru as the miners moved joint top with Highlanders, who played out to a goalless draw away to bottom-placed Chapungu.
Highlanders wasted a hatful of scoring opportunities in both halves against a team who had lost four of their previous six matches and coach Erol Akbay was fuming at the end of the match. "I am not happy with the result. This is the worst display ever," he said. " We were wasteful in front of goal. We hope that we will improve in the next match."
Daniel Chakupe scored either side of the break to give ZPC Kariba a 2-0 win over Bulawayo City at Nyamhunga. The former Hwange forward netted his first a minute before the break after being put through by Francesco Zekumbawire. He completed his brace on 63 minutes to hand Sunday Chidzambwa's team their fourth win in six games.
Troubled Harare City tasted victory for the first time this season, with Farai Madhananga converting from a free-kick to secure a 1-0 win over Tsholotsho to ease the pressure on coach Mike Madzivanyika.