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Chipo Sabeta Senior Reporter
ZPC KARIBA coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa has thrown in the towel in the Castle Lager Premier League title race saying the gap between his team and the leading pack is too big.
The affable gaffer said the 10-point gap between his side and log leaders Chicken Inn was too much for them to close before the season ends.
Chidzambwa had at the start of the season declared that his charges were gunning for the ultimate prize.
The Kariba side narrowly lost the 2014 title to Harare giants Dynamos when they fell 3-2 to CAPS United in the final game of the season.
A draw would have been enough to complete a fairytale run and lift the trophy in their maiden season.
Despite sitting on fifth position on the log standings with 38 points, ZPC trail fourth-placed FC Platinum by seven points and log leaders Chicken Inn by 10 points.
“We cannot win the Premier League now — that is very obvious and realistic. The gap between us and first place is too big to close before the end of the campaign,” Chidzambwa told The Herald.
“The first one (Chicken Inn), yes, 10 points is a lot of points, of course.
“The fourth one (FC Platinum) is seven points, so we have to see. We have to pick maximum points in the next two assignments.”
Chidzambwa said he has been speaking to his players in the last three weeks, urging them not focus on the log standings, but their next games.
“I have been telling them to forget about the table, but pressing on them to focus on the next game and try to do our best. To do what we need to do, to win the game,” he said.
He said the team will evaluate performance, contribution of the coach and the players at the end of the season and map the way forward.
ZPC Kariba have won their last three assignments, but things will not be easy for Chidzambwa’s men, who face a tricky Bulawayo City side at White City tomorrow.
They beat their opponents 2-0 in Kariba.
“Anything can happen in Bulawayo. It’s a very tricky encounter and we know that Bulawayo is a bad hunting ground for us. We lost to Highlanders and Chicken Inn,” said Chidzambwa.
“Our best result was a draw against How Mine so far from the five teams.
“We are yet to play Tsholotsho and Bantu Rovers. However, we remain hopeful that we will collect all points.”
Bulawayo City are wounded following a 3-1 bashing at the hands of Triangle at Gibbo.
Coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu’s side is battling for consistency.
“It has been difficult to collect maximum point with each passing game, but we are looking forward to winning our next assignment against ZPC Kariba,’’ he said.
“Our main aim is to survive relegation this year,” Mpofu said.
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