adminCoaches who spoke to The Herald yesterday said they are geared for the new season which begins over the Easter weekend.
The domestic game has been dominated by Dynamos, who won both the league title and the Mbada Diamonds Cup in the last two seasons, but teams have been beefing up their squads in the pre-season and it appears the Harare giants will not have easy this year.
Clubs are in the process of putting finishing touches to their preparations and have lined up friendly matches across the country this weekend with Dynamos hosting Premiership returnees Black Rhinos, who have been transformed by the sponsorship from Savanna Tobacco, at Rufaro this afternoon.
Rhinos’ coach, Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera, watched his team being dominated and losing 0-2 to CAPS United in a ZNA Commander Charity Shield at Rufaro but believes they will compete against the big boys.
Saruchera is one of those rare breed of football personalities whose life, both as a player and a coach, has been tied to Rhinos.
Harare rivals CAPS United engage Chegutu Pirates at Danny Bismarck.
Motor Action will travel to Kwekwe for a date against Gishon Ntini’s newly-promoted side Triangle at Baghdad as police outfit Black Mambas play Division One side Flame Lily at Morris Depot.
Ambitious Zvishavane side FC Platinum, who are now under Zambian Tennant Chilumba, date newcomers Tripple B in Beitbridge.
Last season’s silver medallists Highlanders were hoping to engage a team from Botswana as they wind up their preparations but they could be forced to look for a local opposition because of logistical problems.
The Bulawayo giants, who last won the title in 2006, finished a close second last season because of inferior goal difference and the team’s coach Kelvin Kaindu is optimistic that they will be able to realise their dream this year.
Bosso will begin their campaign away at Shabanie looking for a positive start.
Their team looks formidable and with players such as Masimba Mambare, Peter “Rio” Moyo, Innocent Mapuranga, Bekhimpilo Ncube, Eric Mudzingwa, Graham Ncube, Heritein Masuku, Bruce Kangwa and Bruce Tshuma all committing their future this season, Highlanders appear to be headed for a good season.
“It’s good that we managed to retain most of the players from last year. So we are just looking forward to continue from where we left and even doing better than last season,” said Kaindu.
“Every coach and player wants to excel and win trophies and that is our aim this year. But we will have to work hard because it looks like this is not going to be an easy season for anyone.”
The Zambian, however, feels it’s unlikely to be a two-horse race between Dynamos and Highlanders as the rest of the teams have been doing their homework during the off-season.
“It will be interesting to see how it goes but generally there will be stiff competition because we already have some of the perennial campaigners like Highlanders, Dynamos leaving nothing to chance in terms of preparations,” said Antipas.
“But there are also new clubs that appear well-organised and with sound financial backing from their sponsors coming into the league this year.
“In fact all the teams look like they are up for it judging by the work done during pre-season. Definitely, this is not going to be an easy season.”
Motor Action have managed to lure former CAPS United goalkeeper Itai Chiwara to replace Ronald Mudimu who moved to police outfit Black Mambas.
They have also roped in their former sons Clement Matawu and his young brother Louis, Blessing Sande from Gunners and the former CAPS United duo of Douglas Walaza and Charles Chiutsa.
Antipas said they have also concluded a deal with former Dynamos striker Dylan Chivandire, who is returning from Botswana, Emmanuel Meleka from DStv Rangers, Lawrence Mdluli and Innocent Kutsanzira from relegated Quelaton.
Motor Action, who often lose key players during the off-season, continued with the trend as midfielder Protash Kabwe moved to Namibia while Isaac Masame has found a new home at Hwange.
The movements have also seen Gift Phiri and Dominic Mukandi going to CAPS United.
Defender Morris Kadzola, who was on loan from Sprouting Academy, has joined champions Dynamos with another fullback Blessing Chimwamuchere finding new home at Triangle.
Holding midfielder James Jam has also left the club while Norman Maroto’s loan deal has expired.
“Our preparations have been spot on, just that we are facing financial challenges. We hope something positive comes up as we go but we will go game by game and see how far we will progress with our play,” said Antipas.
CAPS United caretaker coach Brenna Msiska yesterday said he was still finalising his squad ahead of their tricky first game against Harare City.
Msiska will build his team around his experienced skipper Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Blessing Zabula, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Leonard Fiyado, Rahman Kutsanzira, Pride Tafirenyika and Tendai Samanja.
“We are rebuilding and it’s still work in progress. We will need at least three to five games to see the direction the team will take because right now we have the core of team,” said Msiska.
CAPS have roped in former Dynamos defender George Magariro to bolster their defence.
New FC Platinum coach Tennant Chilumba said he was looking forward to new challenges at his club.
“I am happy to be at FC Platinum and I believe it’s a big and pleasant challenge for me,” said Chilumba
“In terms of preparations we are almost there because we have been trying to balance all departments from defence, to midfield and strikers.
“It’s every coach’s wish to win the league or to finish on a good position and I think we should be up for it.”
Kugona Kunenge Kudada, who parted ways with a number of players, have swopped on the former Hwange duo of Winston Mhango and Zambian defender Aaron Katebe.
They have also recalled last season’s Golden Boot winner Nelson Maziwisa and Raymond Sibanda from neighbours Shabanie Mine while promoting a number of players from their junior structures.
Online Reporter