Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AN away victory against ZPC Kariba who they face this afternoon in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports Stadium will be a confidence booster for the Lizwe Sweswe-coached Bulawayo Chiefs.
Failure to have their Nyamhunga Stadium homologated for topflight matches, ZPC Kariba have been forced to look for an alternative home in Harare, a move that makes them and their opponents both away.
Having picked up a point in the first match of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season when they drew 1-1 with Ngezi Platinum Stars, Bulawayo Chiefs have been spared the agony of travelling a 660km one way trip to Kariba where there are high temperatures.
The Bulawayo Chiefs coach Sweswe isn’t reading much into the “neutral” venue they are playing at against ZPC Kariba who put in a spirited show to force a draw against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium last weekend.
Instead, Sweswe wants his side to be focused for the encounter that falls on an “awkward” day as Mondays are traditionally known to be resting days for footballers.
“We’re injury free, we’ve got a healthy team to go and fight against ZPC Kariba. What’s important is to build the confidence of the players by winning and if we can win away that will be a major boost.
“The teams haven’t got into their normal forms, every team will try to win their games and we will try our best when we go to Harare.
“Playing on a Monday, it’s a tricky one as Monday is usually an off day for players. We’ll try working on players’ mindset so that their bodies are ready for the game,” said Sweswe.
The championship winning coach with FC Platinum is impressed with his team’s progression, saying that his charges are adjusting well to his desired playing style.
Sweswe said experienced new arrivals who include former national team pair of Danny Phiri and Last Jesi, seasoned forward Kuda Musharu and former Young Warriors goalkeeper Issah Ali have adjusted well.
“I’ve got a pool of players with football intelligence. They didn’t take time to adjust on how I want them to play. We had a base of players who were in the team which made it even easier with the experienced players who joined the team fitting well,” Sweswe said.
Some of the players expected to play a key role in today’s encounter for Bulawayo Chiefs are skipper Marlvin Mkolo, Ben Nyahunzwi, midfielder Mthokozisi Msebe, forwards Obriel Chirinda and Farau Matare as well as last weekend’s scorer Nkosilathi Ncube.
ZPC Kariba’s trump cards include attacking midfielder Tino Chiunye and Leroyy Murape, experienced defensive midfielder Winston Mhango, central midfielder Collin Muleya and defender Munyaradzi Nyenye-Diro.
— @ZililoR
Online Reporter