adminVeronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
AFTER collecting their first three set of points of the season against Castle Lager Premiership football giants Dynamos in a 3-2 flattering performance at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday, Bulawayo Chiefs are still basking in glory as they prepare to face Yadah Stars at the weekend.
The shock defeat to Bulawayo Chiefs saw Dynamos, who were among the teams at the top of the log standings, slump to position seven, four points behind leaders CAPS United.
And this Saturday, Bulawayo Chiefs will be hosting the Expense Chitukutuku-led Yadah Stars at Luveve where they seek to establish a winning streak.
Bulawayo Chiefs head coach, Lizwe Sweswe, notes that their victory against Dembare came as a huge confidence booster for the team that had gone for their opening five games without a win.
The fact that this was also DeMbare’s first defeat of the season and the first time that they conceded goals, said the gaffer, made it something worth celebrating.
“Morale is still high, that away win was massive,” Sweswe said.
“Considering that Dynamos are ranked the biggest team locally and the fact that this was an away game, we knew we were largely at a disadvantage so we had to put our act together.”
From their clinical performances, one could see the hunger in the Sweswe-led side as they dominated and outplayed their opponents both in possession and territory.
The visiting side created more chances, came face-to-face with the opposition goalkeeper the most times, made most raids and always won the second ball.
Coach Sweswe said the performance was largely influenced by their preparations.
“I told the boys that big games are for big boys; we needed to be sharp,” he said.
“The plan was to create more scoring chances; we were hungry for this so at training everyone would put in a 110 percent effort.
“We also touched on mental strength to ensure that we were ready when we stepped on the pitch and it was also to make sure that numbers do not mentally affect us as if it was an away game.
“Also, we really wanted that cutting edge for confidence, the preparation was a process that we needed to trust and to make the boys understand that they had the power to make things happen.”
Although they are faced with a home advantage against Yadah, Sweswe said his boys need to be positive in their approach to the game.
Despite falling 2-0 to Highlanders in their last outing, the gaffer feels Yadah are currently in good form and have been fielding a youthful and talented squad that has a potential to overturn the tide.
Currently, the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance side sits on position 12 on the log standings with seven points while Bulawayo Chiefs boast of six points on number 14.
“Yadah have been playing very well, with a lot of youngsters who are talented so we need to bring our A-game,” said Sweswe.
“Playing on home ground is no longer an advantage in most cases these days, it is the preparation that is key so we are leaving no stone unturned as we gun for maximum points.”
Online Reporter