adminLovemore Zigara Midlands Sports Correspondent
CHAPUNGU FC, for the first time since joining the topflight league, convened a Press conference yesterday to declare war on Black Rhinos in a military battle which has all the ingredients of a thriller as both teams fight for survival.
The airmen and Rhinos clash tomorrow at Ascot Stadium in a Castle Lager Premiership encounter that will see the winners technically assured of a stay in the Premiership.
The two sides are tied on 34 points but “Waru Waru” have a superior goal difference and lie 10th on the table while Rhinos are third from bottom with a goal difference of minus eight.
Chapungu gaffer, John Nyikadzino described the encounter as a “cup final.”
“Everyone in camp is raring to go and we’re treating this game like a cup final because we know what this game means to us. It took us five years to return to the top-flight league and we can’t disappoint our fans by getting relegated,” he said.
Nyikadzino who watched his side slump to their first home defeat of the season in a 2-3 loss to Bantu Rovers recently said the loss was a wake up call to the players to guard against complacency and his charges had learnt a lesson which they will not repeat.
As if to confirm that the airmen would be playing in the topflight league next season, Nyikadzino took time to congratulate Whawha for their promotion into the league and said he is looking forward to a Gweru derby next season.
In response Rhinos assistant coach, Paul Nyama said his side is looking forward to a good game.
“Playing Chapungu is always difficult more so at Ascot where they’re difficult to beat but we’re prepared for them,” he said.
derick.khumalo