adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
CHEGUTU Pirates coach, Gipter Raiva, remains optimistic thst his side will rise as they host Lake Harvest this afternoon in a World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league tie at Pfupajena.Chugutu have been struggling since the start of the season and are second from the bottom with just 18 points from 19 games and time is not on their side as they try to navigate their way from the relegation zone.
Chegutu finished strongly last season and Raiva believes they can turn the tables and survive another year in the top division.
“Most of the time this season we have been anchoring the table. Our preparations have always been well, it’s only that we had a bad spell.
“We will be on top of the situation in most of our games but if we don’t score it becomes a problem. I believe if my guys can score we will be fine. We are in Division One to play and of the past six games we have played we have managed to get 12 points which is an achievement and we will survive,” said Raiva.
Raiva said they will be pinning their hopes on forward, Simbarashe Domingo, who has been an inspiration to the team since his return from Shabanie Mine during the window period.
“He is one guy who can change the game at any given time. He inspires and motivates the junior players, he is more of a motivator for the young players,” Raiva said.
The relegation fighters, however, should not expect an easy match as their opponents, Lake Harvest, will be hoping to maintain their place among the top teams.
In other matches set for today, Mushowani battles it out against Ngezi Platinum in Madziva.
It will be Mushowani’s second game at their home ground after the completion of renovations.
They had been using Afdis as their temporary home ground in the first half of the season.
And coach Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni said it’s been good playing at home, close to their fans, as most of their supporters are now able to attend their games.
“When we were playing at Afdis there were no supporters because it was away from home but now the stadium will be full. It (Afdis) was an optional ground but now we are happy we are home and the supporters come in their numbers. The competition is getting tougher but one advantage we have as a team is we did not just do random off-loading.
We maintained our team so I think that’s our strength,” said Chimalizeni.
Chamalizeni will be expecting a win from his side as he said they cannot afford to lose points in today’s match.
Log leaders Gunners have a date with Royal Classic at Lafarge and they come in as the favourites in this game.
Gunners need a win to tighten their grip on the pole position.
Fixtures
Today: Gunners v Royal Classic (Lafarge), Karoi United v Seven Flames (Chikangwe), Flame Lilly v Bindura (Chikurubi), Mushowani v Ngezi Platinum (Madziva Chaminuka Stadium), Blue Swallows v DC Academy (Manyame), Commando v Starbill (Commando), Chegutu Pirates v Lake Harvest (Pfupajena).
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