adminThe army side will host Tripple B at Rimuka when the Castle Lager Premiership action resumes next Wednesday following a two-week break to give the national team space in the World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Guinea.
Rhinos secretary, Wellington Mabiginye, yesterday said they were excited by the move although they had expected to play all their home games in Kadoma this season.
“We have just seen the confirmation of the fixtures and although it took long we are very happy with the decision.
“We had hoped to play all our matches there this season but there were issues that needed to be attended to before the PSL could sanction our request.
“But I think the venue is in good shape now. We played CAPS United there in a friendly match last weekend and it looks like everything has been sorted out now.
“I am sure the people of Kadoma will be happy and will give us a warm welcome because we are trying to take Premiership football to the community. It has been long since they last saw Premiership action.
“It also makes sense for us financially as a team because here in Harare we get nothing from the gates. It’s difficult to administer the game without money and we just hope that the extra cent we might get will help.
“Besides the financial side, we are also hoping that this move will come with a change of fortunes,” said Mabiginye.
Rhinos had indicated at the beginning of the season that they wanted to use Rimuka but the venue could not meet standards required by PSL after an inspection by the grounds committee.
But the Kadoma City Council have since started renovations on the perimeter fence, dressing rooms and the press area and are also attending to the playing surface.
PSL chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, yesterday said the grounds committee will be in Kadoma this week to make sure that everything is in order.
Rhinos had a bad start on their return to top-flight football and are currently second from the bottom with 12 points from 13 matches.
Champions Dynamos will resume their campaign without vice-captain Tawanda Muparati who has been suspended for their next game against Buffaloes at Sakubva next Wednesday.
Muparati is one of the nine players who have been suspended by PSL after accumulating three yellow cards in previous assignments.
Also suspended are Thabani Goredema, Moses Jackson (both Chicken Inn), Warren Dube (How Mine), Caleb Masocha (Shabanie Mine), Brighton Chandisaita (Black Rhinos), Mercyful Ncube, Reuben Machaya (both Motor Action) and Webster Chingodza (Tripple B).
DeMbare are currently second on the log table with 25 points, five behind leaders Highlanders who host Chicken Inn in a potentially explosive derby.
Bosso have enjoyed a good run this year under Zambian mentor Kevin Kaindu and are aiming to win the championship this year after missing out narrowly on goal difference last season. But Chicken Inn are not far from the top as they sit on fourth position with 23 points.
The Gamecocks have also brought in Highlanders son Mkhupali Masuku who joined them this week as their assistant coach.
Harare giants CAPS United will also be in the spotlight when they host Hwange at the National Sports Stadium next Thursday.
Makepekepe have been operating in fits and starts and they also made adjustments to their technical team during the break by bringing in former Buffaloes mentor Saul Chaminuka as assistant to Taurai Mangwiro while Brenna Msiska reverting to being goalkeepers’ coach.
Fixtures
Wednesday 19 June
Black Mambas v Shabanie (Mine Morris Depot), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Dynamos SS9 (Sakubva), Black Rhinos v Tripple B (Rimuka), CAPS United v Hwange (National Sports Stadium), Motor Action v FC Platinum (Motor Action)
Thursday 20 June
How Mine v Triangle (Luveve), Harare City v Monomotapa SS9 (Rufaro)
Online Reporter