dyton mupawaenda
Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP newboys Chegutu Pirates have promised a giant-killing act when they meet CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Rufaro tomorrow.
This is a high stakes game for both teams, but Emmanuel Day Gutu’s charges hinted they needed the points more to avoid going into the mid-season transition in the relegation zone as they are currently in murky waters after 15 games.
There are still two rounds of play before the marathon reaches half-way mark.
While Chegutu Pirates are worried more with staying afloat, CAPS United too have their own worries as they need to snap a four-match winless run and at least maintain their place in the top half.
In fact, both teams have not won in their previous four outings.
On paper, CAPS United carry the upper hand but Gutu sounded bullish ahead of the short trip to Harare.
He said the Mashonaland West side are looking for a positive turn around in Harare after conducting a thorough homework on their opponents.
“It’s a big game indeed and, like I said, it’s a must win encounter. We have to win it at all costs. As you can see, we are sitting at a very precarious position,” he said.
“Of course, we are facing CAPS United who are one of the biggest teams in Zimbabwe, but we do not fear them. We do respect them, but we are going to give our best.
“We have done our homework, we know how they play, we know their system, we know their formation. This is a global world and we have done our homework. We are working on a system that can counter their play.”
However, the newboys have encountered challenges in their debut season, winning only three games in 15 outings and losing eight times.
Gutu’s men have scored only nine goals and conceded 17 and they are currently seized with fortifying their squad in the upcoming mid-season transfer window.
“The window is opening. We need to bring two finishers, a defensive link and two centrebacks. Every week we are chopping and changing the team because of disciplinary issues. Players are picking unnecessary cards, and this is affecting the rhythm of the team,” said Gutu.
They will be without experienced defender Reuben Machaya through suspension this week. CAPS United midfielder star Kinsley Mureremba is also set to miss out.
Mureremba and Machaya are among the six players that have been suspended this week for accumulating three yellow cards, in accordance with the PSL regulations.
The 19-year-old midfielder has transformed himself into one of the brightest prospects in the PSL this season after enjoying a good run in Makepekepe colours.
But coach Lloyd Chitembwe still has the core of his team in place with the club’s leading scorer William Manondo set to lead the attack.
Chitembwe, however, revealed he was not taking chances against Pirates, especially in the wake of his team’s disappointing draw at TelOne last week.
“They are a surprise package and if you look at their performance, I think they have had decent results. So, this is an important game for us considering the fact that it’s coming on the back of a draw against TelOne. It was a frustrating draw because I thought in certain moments of the match we were in complete control of the game and at some point, we were leading.
“That in itself was quite frustrating but we are looking forward to this one with belief and optimism that we are going to do well,” said Chitembwe.
Simba Bhora test log
leaders FC Platinum
An intriguing encounter is on the cards this afternoon at Mandava where FC Platinum’s resolve will be tested by in-form Simba Bhora.
Tonderai Ndiraya’s charges are currently in high spirits on the back of big wins on their last two outings. They floored giants CAPS United 2-1 before thrashing newboys Arenel Mover 3-0 last week and move into third place.
Only four points separate the teams, with the platinum miners leading the pack on 31 points while Simba are on 27.
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza feels his team was invigorated during the World Cup break and would want to maintain control of the race.
They have won four of their last five matches. But then Simba Bhora are too close for their comfort on the log standings.
“I don’t think Simba’s position, or our position will put us under pressure,” said Mapeza.
“For us to be where we are, means we have been winning our games. So, if we want to keep winning our games, we have to push up.
“Like I always say, they will come here with the same mentality to get positive results. That’s exactly what they will be looking for.
“So, in terms of positioning, I think these are points to fight for. They are fighting to go on top and we are also fighting to stay at the top. Football is always like that.”
Simba Bhora will also showcase some of the best quality players in the PSL including former FC Platinum players Walter Musona, Blessing Moyo and Perfect Chikwende.
“We are facing a quality side. If you look at all the players they recruited at the beginning of the season, it shows they really mean business. If you look at all the clubs in the PSL at the moment and compare with Simba Bhora, they look dangerous. But look it’s much about us, how we have prepared the game.
“I usually talk of us maximising home advantage. Having a full team available doesn’t it gives us an edge. Our fans have been fantastic,” said Mapeza.
Beleaguered DeMbare
date Gem Boys
Giants Dynamos, with one win in seven games, have a difficult date with Manica Diamonds at Sakubva tomorrow.
Pressure is slowly mounting on the Harare giants, who have only won against the teams promoted this season and failed to beat any of the established sides as the season draws to halfway mark.
Dynamos have also been struggling in front of goal and last week they needed Emmanuel Paga’s second half strike to rescue a point at home after enduring a testing afternoon at home in the 1-1 draw with ZPC Kariba, which was their eight stalemate this season.
Their coach Genesis Mangombe, however, is looking to contain the pressure, despite trailing log leaders FC Platinum by 11 points. Sitting on 20 points from 15 games, they are also a distant from Manica Diamonds who have 30 points and are currently unbeaten in their last 11 outings.
“Of course, every game at Dynamos, you are always under pressure and also the fans want us to win games and as a coach you would want to win games. So, at times we need to work extra hard so that we change these draws to the maximum points,” said Mangombe.
Manica Diamonds coach Jairos Tapera said they will not be fooled into complacency by DeMbare’s woes.
“Dynamos were and will remain the biggest team in our domestic league. The last time they came to Sakubva Stadium they won against Bikita Minerals and that means they will remain hopeful against us,” he said.
The record between Dynamos and Manica Diamonds is even with each team having won one match each and the rest were draws in their head-to-head clashes since the latter’s promotion into the domestic Premiership.
Fixtures:
Today: Bikita Minerals v Chicken Inn (Sakubva), Herentals v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Rufaro), Arenel v TelOne (Luveve), FC Platinum v Simba Bhora (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo Chiefs (Nyamhunga)
Tomorrow: CAPS United v Chegutu Pirates (Rufaro), Manica Diamonds v Dynamos (Sakubva), Greenfuel v Yadah (Greenfuel Arena), Highlanders v Hwange (Barbourfields)
Online Reporter