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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
PREMIER Soccer League side Bulawayo Chiefs have declared their intention to make it into the top four come end of the season despite losing key players in the off-season.
Speaking after a practice match against Division One side, Bulawayo City, Chiefs coach, Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda said they have set themselves the lofty ambition despite surviving the chop by three points last year.
Amakhosi Amahle lost their star players, Perfect Chikwende to FC Platinum, Gracious Muleya to Chapungu and Stanley Ngala to Manica Diamonds but Sibanda believes players they have brought in will be able to fill the gap.
Chiefs managed to lure striker, Hussein Zvakavapano from Mutare City, Dumisani “Fazo” Ndlovu, national under-20 left back, Brendon Mpofu, Nqobile Ndlovu, Tafadzwa Moyo all from Indlovu Iyanyathela, Arthur Ndlovu from CIWU and Mengezi Ndlovu formerly with Hwahwa.
“We have completed assembling our squad and barring a few additions the players that featured here are the ones that will do duty for us throughout the season.
“I am happy with the players that I have despite losing several of the top players we had last year. I believe the beauty of being in Bulawayo is that there are vibrant lower leagues and I take my time to watch Division One and Two games because I know there are gems. It is obviously difficult to compete for the big name signings but I believe we will be able to compete with what we have,” he said.
Chiefs gained a reputation for being giants killers last year as they managed to beat the top sides in the Premiership.
City, who were relegated from the PSL, won the match 2-0 with goals on either side of the break from Lucky Nyathi and Ntobeko Moyo.
Amakhosi coach, Try Ncube said they do not intend staying long in Division One as he believes his squad has the temerity to win the championship.
City showed they are geared to dominate Division One as they took the game to Chiefs with high pressing play that made them look like a PSL side.
“I think the boys showed the hunger, unity of purpose and commitment needed to win not only this game but also the championship.
“Division One is tough and I believe we should not relax and tell ourselves that we are better than the other teams but rather we should simply show it during the games. There won’t be easy games and we will have to fight for every point in order to take the team back to the PSL, where I believe it belongs,” said Ncube.
derick.khumalo