Bhande braces for Chapungu challenge

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

BLACK Rhinos Queens leading scorer Greater Bhande says her team should approach their derby against Chapungu with utmost care at Manyame Airbase this morning.

The match kicks off at 11am.

The Zimbabwe National Army side jointly lead the standings with defending champions Herentals on 18 points after a 100 percent record in the opening six games, while Chapungu are on third place having lost just once to Herentals.

Games between the two teams have always been electric and today’s encounter cannot produce anything less with the friendly forces temporarily turning antagonistic in the field of play.

Bhande, who has netted seven goals in six outings has watched Chapungu play this season and she is wary of their threat.

“We are going into this match with one thing in mind that is to win. It’s a match that we know will be very tough, but we need to stay focused and retain our concentration as a team,” said Bhande.

“I have watched Chapungu play, and their quality is up there. That explains why they haven’t lost a game since their opening day loss to champions Herentals. Even when you look at it, Herentals had to dig deeper to get the result.

“So as a team, we need to go to Manyame with the right mentality, minimise mistakes and be the ideal team in the field. It’s not going to be an easy match, but I know we can win.”

Black Rhinos are yet to concede a goal in six games, while they have scored 31 themselves and the intact defence will be up for what will be their biggest test so far this season at Manyame.

The 26-year-old will fight to return to her scoring form after failing to register her name on the score sheet last week against Platinum Royals.

She is two goals behind pacesetter Praynance Zvawanda of Herentals who will also be eager to get back to her scoring ways when the Students face Black Mambas at the National Sports Stadium B Arena.

Fixtures (All games start at 11am)

Correctional v Faithdrive Academy (Wagadhugu), Conduit Academy v Harare City (Mudhindo), Hope Academy v Mutare City (House of Mooba), MSU v Highlanders Royals (MSU), Platinum Royals v Maningi (Mandava), Herentals v Black Mambas (NSS B Arena), Chapungu v Black Rhinos (Manyame), ZRP Harare v Sheasham (Mkushi)