adminsaid the army side, which is returning to the top-flight league after a three-year hiatus, will field their best players to honour their patron lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.
The match will be the main attraction on the day and will be preceded by a clash between soccer legends and yesteryear players against the army generals.
Saruchera, who will also play in the legends side, said Rhinos are taking their clash against the Green Machine match seriously despite being a charity event.
The sides met earlier in the year with CAPS United fielding a weakened side and losing the match 1-0 during the Chipaz Promotions charity event.
“We are taking this game seriously because this charity is spearheaded by our patron. So we will field our best team. We are ready for it since we are also preparing for the new season,” said Saruchera.
“Since this is a charity event, we are urging all football fans to come and enjoy the day no matter which team they support. I am sure this is going to be an entertaining match.”
Rhinos have roped in eight new players and, just like CAPS United who have a new-look side, will be hoping to gauge the strides they have made in their preparations for the new season. They signed four players from DStv Rangers after agreeing terms with defender Bruce Homora, midfielders Milton Kureva and Ndabazile Ndlovu and striker Brian Muzondiwa.
The army side has also brought in the DC Academy duo of Marshal Mudewe and Hebert Rusawo, Jameson Mukobwe from Twalumba and Wonder Kapinda from Monomotapa.
Chauya Chipembere took their pre-season to another level last week when they embarked on a week-long training camp in Kariba where they also played two practice matches against Division One sides.
“We are almost there as a team although I cannot immediately say we are now super-fit. I am sure our time in Kariba was very helpful in terms of bonding and team building.
“Since we have a handful of new players coming into the squad, it was all about trying to get these guys into the system and making them feel part of the family. So I think we are in the right direction.
“We are all happy with the progress we have made,” said Saruchera.
CAPS United caretaker coach, Brenna Msiska, said they are using the platform to give their fans a glimpse into their new-look side and to parade their new signings. Makepekepe are eager to make a statement in the wake of the off-season challenges they have been facing. Although they have lost some key players, they still have a competitive side built around the vast experience of Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Rahman Kutsanzira, Leornard Fiyado, Tendai Samanja, Pride Tafirenyika, Blessing Zabula, Hardlife Zvirekwi and David Rediyoni among others.
Makepekepe have also roped in players with rich Premiership background who include the likes of goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube from FC Platinum, former Gunners midfielder Munyaradzi Muchenje, Gift Phiri (from Motor Action) and Tawanda Nyamandwe.
“This is our first competitive game this year and we want our supporters to come in numbers because we are going to parade the probable team that should be playing this season,” Msiska told The Herald this week.
“We are prepared for this game. Things could have been happening, but we are keeping focused.
“We are rebuilding our team and I am sure our new-look side will be able to deliver. We are just asking our fans to rally behind the team.”
The Charity Shield has received support from organisations such as the Zimbabwe National Road Administration, Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and Ke Nako Media who will provide soccer kits for the two teams, trophy and medals for participants. The generals and soccer legends received their kit donation from CellOne Electronics yesterday.
Major General Engelbert Rugeje, who leads the generals’ team, said they were looking forward to a fun-filled day.
“There are a number of family activities that include music, military displays, parachute drops and military drills. We also look forward to an entertaining match. The team really welcomes the gesture by CellOne and we are very appreciative of what they have done. We are looking forward to more companies coming to support the charity programmes being undertaken by the army,” said Rugeje.
The Charity Shield was launched last month by the commander of the ZNA, Phillip Valerio Sibanda. The ZNA holds a number of fund-raising events with proceeds being channeled towards five army charities – Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre in Nyanga, Army Widows and Orphans Benevolent Fund, ZNA Benevolent Fund, ZNA Schools Welfare Trust Fund and the ZNA Patients’ Welfare.
Fundraising events that are lined up in the calendar include the charity ball, the charity golf tournament and the charity horse race which will be held later in the year.
Online Reporter