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Tawanda Mangoma Lowveld Sports Correspondent
CHIREDZI FC head coach Gishon Ntini says only a miracle will save his side from relegation as the team continues to drop points in crucial Premier League games. Ntini, who took over from Moses Chunga in controversial circumstances, was identified by the Charles Muchatukwa-led executive as the Messiah who would help the financially troubled side to find its winning formula.
With only 11 points out of a possible 66 in 22 matches, Chiredzi continue to suffer humiliating defeats.
Supporters who used to come in their numbers to rally behind their team in its maiden games have also lost hope in surviving relegation.
Ntini said the team has to move mountains if they are to entertain survival.
“In football you don’t have to be hopeless despite the challenges of the situation. We are currently facing an uphill task with some of our supporters saying even a miracle will not save Chiredzi FC from relegation,” said Ntini.
Ntini said he is facing challenges in his player selection as he only has 18 players who are struggling to stand the packed Premier Soccer League fixture programme.
“We only have 18 players whom we are rotating and truly speaking they cannot withstand the pressure caused by the fixture congestion. In every game we suffer from fatigue plus some of our main players like David Sengu has a red card so we are already down,” said Ntini.
He said football is a process which is not centralised on the pitch but bears other logistical issues which have a bearing on the final result during the match.
“I would also want to make it clear to you that football is a process which starts at the beginning of the season and now with me coming in, this is a time at which we expected new and fresh flow of things but the reverse is true. The first half of the season must be well utilised. I found Chiredzi with only nine points from 15 matches and it then affects those who stay on with the project,” said Ntini.
Ntini had to start assembling the team after his introduction and due to the club’s financial position he failed to attract as many players as he would have wanted.
Some supporters, however, feel it is good for their team to go back to the drawing board.
“It’s better we revert back to the drawing board in Division One and refresh from all this madness. The team has been riddled with controversy. The issue of Hippo Valley Estates refusing to sponsor the team, Chunga’s saga and now relegation issue. It’s better the team goes back to Division One and look for a sponsor and then fight for a new Premier League appearance,” said one supporter Givemore Madapi.
Bongani Ndlovu