adminMidlands Correspondent
AIRMEN Chapungu troop into Ascot Stadium this afternoon needing nothing short of victory to please their fans and move out of the murky waters of relegation when they play defending champions Chicken Inn in a Castle Lager premiership encounter. “Waru Waru” have gone on a two match winless run after playing draws against How Mine (2–2) and in their last fixture against ZPC Kariba (1–1) since their 2–1 win against Border Strikers in week 10.
The airmen are fourth from bottom after having collected 12 points from as many games. John Nyikadzino, the Chapungu gaffer conceded that they would have to win today’s encounter for the sake of their fans and to improve their position on the log standings.
“As usual we are taking tomorrow’s game like any other league fixture but it has been long since we recorded a win and we have to win at all costs which will be good for our fans who want to see us posting good results. We have prepared well for the match and I do not see anything stopping us from getting a good result,” he said.
However, the Gweru based outfit will still be missing the services of exciting winger, Nhlanhla Ncube who is nursing an injury while Maxwell Mavuto is doubtful as he was to undergo a late fitness test yesterday.
Chapungu fans will be hoping veteran striker and skipper Philip Marufu will combine well with either Patrick Khumbula or Allan Tavarwisa to provide the much needed goals. The visitors come into the match bubbling with confidence following their morale boosting 2-0 demolition of Highlanders last weekend as they make an onslaught to defend their crown.
The Gamecocks are nine points adrift of log leaders Highlanders and a victory today will see them reducing or maintaining the gap between them and the log leaders. The Gamecocks will look up to the tricky Obadiah Tarumbwa, ageless Clemence Matawu and midfield enforcer Thabani Goredema.
derick.khumalo