Online Reporter
Lawrence Moyo
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League lightweights, Bikita Minerals are keen to stay away from relegation trouble after a miserable 2024 campaign in which they secured survival on the final day of action.
Coach Wilson Mutekede wants Bikita Minerals to secure as many points as they can early in the season to avoid the sleepless nights of the final weekends.
After a poor start to the season, Bikita Minerals have won back-to-back matches, beating Triangle at Gibbo and CAPS United at Rufaro.
“I know the trauma of last season and I would not want a repeat, which is why we need to push away from the murky waters as early as possible,” said Mutekede.
Tomorrow, Bikita Minerals will host Ngezi Platinum in a tough match at Gibbo and Mutekede is happy with the progress they have made so far in the season.
“We are preparing very well as usual, and we have been working on keeping the youngsters focused. They need to cope with the demands of the league and adjust. There were a lot of nerves in the beginning, and they have been improving.
“The performances have been good, but we would always succumb to costly errors both defensively and in attack,” said Mutekede.
While the win against Triangle seemed a fluke given that the sugar boys were still seeking their first win of the season, last weekend’s win over CAPS United at Rufaro injected more confidence in the Bikita Minerals camp.
Now they have belief ahead of the tough match against 2023 Premiership champions, Ngezi Platinum. “The win against CAPS United was very crucial and it gives the team more confidence. It can the team belief that we can play against the big teams. That result sends a positive message in terms of belief.”
Bikita Minerals had been using Sakubva Stadium in Mutare for their home matches but they have since moved to Gibbo in Triangle.
“Coincidentally, the new home gave us the first win of the season and we would want to consolidate that result with more positive results.”
A former Zifa Technical Director, Mutekede conceded that there is always pressure.
“To be honest, if you are competitive, you always want to get good results. Also, if you know your profile, you have results that you expect. Personally, as a coach I am under considerable pressure.”
