adminBruce Chikuni
CHEGUTU Pirates coach, Richard Chunga, says he is hoping his troops will carry on with the resilient spirit they showed in the first half of the season.
They host Golden Eagles in a ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League match this weekend.
Dzinza, who are the best supported team in the league, have become specialists in beating, or holding, some of the top teams despite the club’s financial challenges.
Leaders Herentals Under-20 side lost for the first time, in a dozen league matches, when they were beaten by Dzinza at Pfupajena.
Simba Bhora settled for a stalemate at the same venue.
Gilbert Mushangazhike’s Eagles now have to find a way to pass the tough test this weekend.
Eagles beat Dzinza 2-0 at Ellis Robins in the reverse fixture when the Harare side were under the guidance of Joel Luphahla.
“We are always ready for the task, especially when we are playing big teams,” said Chunga.
“Eagles are a very organised side on and off the pitch, so it makes them a difficult side to play against.
“Sometimes, our boys lack motivation and we have realised they tend to be at their best when we are playing the league’s giants and we are hoping they will show the same fighting spirit at the weekend.”
Chegutu Pirates will be without their influential anchorman, Gift Mwenga, who is on suspension. “I’m excited with how the boys are performing at training,” he said.
“You don’t need to tell them much, when a task of this nature is at hand, they know what is expected.
“I only highlighted to them that we lost to this team (Eagles) in the first round, so it’s our turn to get our three points, we can’t lose home and away.”
Golden Eagles were not in action over the weekend as their assignment against Simba Bhora was postponed due to the death of midfielder Barnabas Mushunje.
The rescheduled date of the match is yet to be announced.
Herentals Under-20 reclaimed top spot, the position they held for the better part of the first round of the season.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter