adminEddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARARE City are still in buoyant spirits following last week’s Chibuku Super Cup semi-final success, but skipper David Kutyauripo said they should not lose track of their mission.
They travel to Mutare for a tricky league assignment against Moses Chunga’s Buffaloes tomorrow.
The Sunshine Boys last Sunday thrashed ailing giants Highlanders 3-0 to book a place in their first Cup final with a lively performance at Rufaro.
However, veteran defender Kutyauripo yesterday told The Herald that they would need to be careful ahead of the trip to Mutare.
City are expected to conduct their last training session this morning before leaving for the Eastern Highlands this afternoon.
Kutyauripo yesterday said they want to continue the good run they have enjoyed since the arrival of Masimba Dinyero in August.
“Morale is high in the team and everyone is looking forward to our next assignment but we have to be cautious.
“Remember our position on the log is not stable. So, we don’t have to be carried away by that win over Highlanders.
“Our major target is still to survive relegation. There is a good chance as well that we can be in the top eight at the end of the season if we remain focused.
“We have been talking to the guys and I am happy that even during that difficult period when things were not going on well for us we never gave up.
“We want the same spirit to continue and I am sure we will do well in all the remaining matches.
“But it’s always not safe to underrate any team. Buffaloes are a good side and the fact that they lost their last match against Dynamos means obviously that they would want to bounce back, playing at home again.
“So we have to be ready for the challenge,” said Kutyauripo.
The City Fathers are currently eighth in the log table with 34 points from 25 starts.
Buffaloes lost their last two matches to FC Platinum and Dynamos and their coach, Chunga, is aware that nothing short of victory is needed to appease the home fans.
Unlike the visitors, Watungwa Watungwa were not active last weekend and Chunga and his technical team should have made full use of the opportunity to work on their shortcomings.
Buffaloes won the first leg 1-0 at Gwanzura, courtesy of Tafadzwa Mombeshora’s 30th minute goal, and they will be looking to complete the double.
Another interesting tie is expected at Mandava when ZPC Kariba meet Norman Mapeza’s in-form FC Platinum.
ZPC Kariba have shocked everyone in their debut season and are currently second in the championship race, two points behind leaders Dynamos.
They have managed 47 points from 25 games and have already exceeded their target to survive relegation this year.
Whether Saul Chaminuka’s men will be able to stand the heat in the last five games, remains to be seen but they have done well to date, grinding points even in the most difficult circumstances.
FC Platinum, who are sixth on the log with 38 points, are fighting to break into the top four and their coach Mapeza has not made it secret that they want to play in the Mbada Diamonds Cup at the end of the season.
Giants CAPS United are also on an important away mission, to stay in the race for the championship, when they visit Triangle at Gibbo on Sunday.
Today
How Mine v Chiredzi (Hartsfield)
Saturday
Bantu Rovers v Shabanie Mine (Hartsfield), Black Rhinos v Hwange (Rimuka), FC Platinum v ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
Sunday
Buffaloes v Harare City (Sakubva), Triangle United v CAPS United (Gibbo), Dynamos v Chapungu (Rufaro), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Hartsfield)
Online Reporter