Dhlakama returns to GreenFuel

Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

HWANGE coach Rodwell Dhlakama can only wonder what GreenFuel could have become had he been given more time to fully implement his vision in Chisumbanje.

The Lowveld team looked poised to challenge for the crown and they were only six points behind then pacesetters Highlanders when the GreenFuel chefs decided to part ways with Dhlakama back in May.

Everything then went south for the Ethanol Boys, and they are currently sitting uncomfortably near the drop zone.

Only four points wedge them from debutants Bikita Minerals, who occupy the last relegation slot with just three games before the season ends.

At the coalmining town Dhlakama inherited a flat Hwange side, which was hardly crawling, well into the season.

He has been on audacious mission to try to resuscitate Chipangano.

Although they are not yet safe, Hwange are four points behind GreenFuel but the gap could be cut to just one if the veteran coach masterminds a win on his first time return to Chisumbanje this afternoon.

Should they lose at home, as they have somewhat become accustomed to in the last few months, that would leave GreenFuel hanging even more precariously down the cliff.

“Let me say I am saddened to see GreenFuel in a situation they are right now,” Dhlakama said.

“They are not obvious relegation candidates, but they are certainly looking down the barrel.

“It’s not a situation I like to see at this club.

“You know the relationship that I have with them and obviously I want to see them doing well. However, I am back there for business.

“I am at work for Hwange, and we are swimming in relegation waters. We are taking each game as it comes and it is our hope that we win against GreenFuel,” said Dhlakama.

He hailed his players for their eagerness and commitment to battle against relegation in a league where four teams face the chop at the end of each season.

“The fighting spirit in my team is remarkable and that is always carrying the day for us as we bid to beat the axe.

“I am not putting too much pressure on my team. They should just be the players they want to become, let them express themselves and fight on.

“That has been driving us and helping the team of late.

“We need that extra win and see what happens next. As Hwange, we will fight till the end.

“I know GreenFuel is a very good team but we are going there to get the win and brighten our survival chances,” Dhlakama said.

Fixtures:

Today:

GreenFuel v Hwange (GreenFuel Arena)

Bikita Minerals v Highlanders (Sakubva)

ZPC Kariba v Dynamos (Nyamhunga)

FC Platinum v Bulawayo Chiefs (Mandava)

Arenel Movers v Simba Bhora (Luveve)