Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
LLYOD Mutasa, Castle Lager Premiership debutants MWOS’ coach, says he is gearing up for a monumental challenge as his team faces Highlanders in their season opener at Baobab Stadium on Sunday.
The match will be their first in the top-flight league and Mutasa says it will be a test of their preparedness for the season ahead.
“We are playing one of the big teams in the country. Matches like these are crucial to assess where we stand in terms of readiness. There is no greater test than facing teams like Highlanders, Dynamos or Caps United. It’s a big test and is therefore self-motivating. Every player wants to play a big team like Highlanders but we have to be ready mentally because it’s not going to be easy,” Mutasa said.
“Highlanders is a big team with a good coach, so the significance of this match cannot be overstated. It’s a chance for us to show that we are here to compete and demonstrate our capabilities. This is an opportunity for us to show the world what we are made of,” said Mutasa
The debutants are under pressure to make a strong impression and Mutasa says his team is up to the challenge.
“The pressure is part of the job. Unfortunately, we won’t be playing at our home ground but I believe the boys are ready to go. Most of them are prepared and excited ahead of the match,” Mutasa said.
MWOS have been in serious business on many fronts in preparation for their maiden top-flight season.
While renovations at Ngoni Stadium in Norton are on-going, they have also been strengthening their squad.
They have acquired the signature of goalminder Martin Mapisa who once had a stint in Spain’s lower leagues before returning to Zimbabwe to play for Dynamos.
Apart from Mapisa, the club has also seen the arrival of players with Premiership experience like former Caps United leftback Innocent Zambezi and ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars striker Claude “Pokello” Mapoka.
The former Simba Bhora duo, defensive midfielder Gift Saunyama and forward Billy Vheremu, has also joined The Punters.
Mutasa has also roped in central midfielder Matthew Murambiwa from Harare City.
The former FC Platinum, Dynamos and Greenfuel coach is fresh from an attachment in Turkey and he is confident his side can survive the rigours of Premiership football.
MWOS, who replaced ZPC Hwange in the top-flight league, had finished a close second behind Scottland following a riveting Northern Region Soccer League title chase.
They then entered into a deal with Southern Region champions ZPC Hwange.
However, MWOS had to wait on the wings until their deal was ratified by Zifa on January 30.
Dynamos and CAPS will play ZPC Kariba and Greenfuel, respectively on Matchday 1.
Other notable fixtures in the opening round include Scottland FC vs Triangle United and Kwekwe United vs Ngezi Platinum.
