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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
CHRISTABEL KATONA says leaders Black Rhinos are in no mood to ease up on their pursuit of the Heart League title.
The soldiers have missed out on the Women’s championship title in the past two years, with Herentals Queens winning it on both occasions.
But they have seized control of the current term’s race and coach Kuda Matuwi’s girls are looking at consolidating their place at the summit.
They have a chance to do so when they host ZRP Harare at 2 Brigade this morning.
With the match pitting their closest rivals in the league — Chapungu against Herentals — which was scheduled for today being shelved, Chauya Chipembere can stretch their lead if they collect maximum points against ZRP Harare.
They are favourites to clinch victory in today’s 11am kick-off match after walloping their opponents 7-0 in the reverse fixture at Mkushi Academy three months ago.
But Katona knows the second phase of the marathon can bring surprises and has implored her teammates to fully focus if they are to bag the full points.
“As a team, we are keeping our eyes on the ball. It’s still a long way to go in this tight race.
“So, we need to collect every point that we fight for,” said Katona.
“A lot has changed with teams beefing up their squads.
“We can’t say just because we beat ZRP Harare the last time out then we can do the same this time.
“We have to work for the win and see what happens.
“Black Rhinos Queens has got good players but just being good is not good enough.
“It all boils down to how we apply ourselves in the field of play.
“We are well aware of the fact that every team is fighting for something during this phase and we can’t afford to just relax.
“Success comes with that undying and enduring spirit which we need to cultivate as a team.”
The versatile Mighty Warriors star has flourished at right-back this term, a position she has rarely played.
“I am comfortable to play any position depending on the coach’s formation.
“I am enjoying the position very well because it gives me so much room to venture forward and score some crucial goals for my team,” added Katona.
She has scored six goals and provided as many assists.
Rhinos Queens have also been galvanised by the return of Privilege Mupeti and Emmaculate Msipa with the duo’s presence just the tonic the soldiers could need to finally push out Herentals Queens from the podium.
Heart League Fixtures today: (All matches at 11am unless stated)
Maningi Academy v Black Mambas (Alex Sports Club)
Platinum Royals v MSU (Mandava), Mutare City v Highlanders Royals (Chisamba), Hope Academy v Conduit Academy (Ascort Race Course 3pm), Correctional v Sheasham (Wagadhugu), Black Rhinos v ZRP Harare (2 Brigade), Chapungu v Herentals (Postponed), Faithdrive Academy v Harare City (Chisamba 1pm)
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