Chiefs not reading into Ngezi struggles

BULAWAYO Chiefs coach Thulani Sibanda believes Ngezi Platinum remains a tough opponent to face despite their poor start to the season ahead of the two clubs’ Week 10 clash at Baobab Stadium on Saturday.

Ngezi Platinum Stars, who are the league’s defending champions, are number 14 on the log with nine points having won just once this season.

They have managed six draws and two defeats after nine rounds of action.

While reports suggest that Ngezi Platinum coach Takesure Chiragwi might be shown the exit owing to the string of poor results they have been posting, Sibanda is on the other hand not reading much into that.

“We have gone on with our preparations in a normal manner. We know it’s not going to be easy playing the defending champions at their home ground. In our view, Ngezi is improving though some may see things otherwise. We cannot afford to relax because they have not started the season well. The boys have to raise the bar in this one because it is not going to be an easy game,” said Sibanda.

After nine games that have been played so far, Sibanda feels his team’s rebuilding exercise is on course.

Chiefs are in position three on the table with four wins, three draws and two losses. They are just three points behind log leaders Highlanders who are on 18 points.

“At this stage l feel our rebuilding exercise is on course. I think these boys have done well to be in the position they are right now. We are not getting carried away because there are a lot of things we need to work on since we are still a new team. The boys are now beginning to get the confidence and the experience which they did not have when the season started and as a coach l am happy with the progress we are making,” said Sibanda.

In their previous fixture, Amakhosi Amahle edged visiting Chegutu Pirates 1-0 at Luveve Stadium.

Not much was expected from Bulawayo Chiefs this season after they lost almost all of their key players including skipper Malvin Mkolo, striker Obriel Chirinda Billy Veremu, Kim Joe Sibanda, Ben Nyahunzvi, Felix Moyo, Mthokozisi Msebe, Ayanda Ncube, Mandla Gasela and goalkeeper Issah Ali among others.

New additions to the ambitious side have come in the form of free-scoring Never Rauzhi who is already on five goals, seasoned Xolisani “Scara” Moyo, Bukhosi Sibanda and goalkeeper Prosper Matutu who have all so far proven to be worthy replacements.

They also romped in several rookies in the bid to keep the ship afloat.
-@innocentskizoe