Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango and Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAN Golden Eagles be the proverbial party poopers?
That is the question uppermost on the lips of many in the Northern Region Soccer League as third-placed Golden Eagles visit log leaders N’ombeyawora at The Heart Stadium today in a potentially explosive top of the table clash.
The outcome of the game, which could have a huge bearing in the exciting NRSL title race will also be closely followed across town at Commando Barracks where second-placed Agama face Black Rhinos.
Only a point separates N’ombeyawora, with 76 points and Agama and neither side cannot afford to slip up in the title run in.
Golden Eagles have 62 points and now virtually fighting to retain third spot.
Their coach Arthur Gorejena wants Golden Eagles to surpass their points tally from last season.
Golden Eagles had the same number of points (62) with five games remaining last season in a tight race in which they were also elbowed out by Scottland and MWOS.
To their credit, Golden Eagles have one of the professionally run teams in Division One.
“We will approach this match with a solid game plan, focusing on exploiting N’ombeyawora’s weaknesses and neutralising their strengths,” said Gorejena.
“Our strategies will include, tight marking to limit their key players’ impact and quick transitions to catch them off guard and try to utilise set-pieces to create scoring opportunities.
“We will fight for the control of the midfield as to control the tempo of the game which can be key in determining result.
“If you look at both sides, there are set pieces specialist. For us we have Munyaradzi Mushanga, Trevor Bhunu, and Tatenda Hapazari. While N’ombeyawora have Tadiwa Chibunyu, Huni and goalkeeper Dean Togara. “So, it is going to be a match of fine details.
“Reaching 62 points last weekend is a significant milestone, as that was our reach last season.
“This match against N’ombeyawora is another crucial step towards achieving the goal of making sure that we can make this season the best in Golden Eagles history.
“We will focus on executing our strategy and capitalising on scoring opportunities to take us closer to our goal,” said Gorejena.
Rhinos seek a double over Agama
Rhinos coach Weddington Chinyanganya, is confident of beating Agama again this season and derail the Mt Darwin side’s title aspirations.
The soldiers are one of the few teams that have so far managed to beat Agama at their beloved Pfura Stadium in Mount Darwin.
Rhinos won the first leg 1-0 early in the season and Chinyanganya reckons they army side can complete the double over Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni and his men.
“Remember, we beat them in their own backyard. Now they are under immense pressure and they will certainly make a lot of mistakes,” a confident Chinyanganya said.
Agama were under the guidance of Arthur Tutani when they lost to Black Rhinos. But they have not lost a match since former Lengthens and Banket United coach Chimalizeni arrived.
“We always train to win and we are expecting a very good game.”
“Like I said before, we are not under any form of pressure. We just want to win and finish the season on a respectable position.”
In other matches Ngezi U-19 face Trojan Mine at Muriel Mine while MWOS U-19 receive Chinhoyi Stars at Ngoni Stadium and Harare City host Banket United at Gwanzura.
At Chikangwe Stadium in Karoi, Zambezi Gas and Coal will be playing away to Karoi United.
Cranborne Bullets will host FC Oden, with Shamva Mine entertaining Chegutu Pirates in Shamva.
Ali Sundowns will play away to Chinhoyi Rangers at Chinhoyi stadium.
FIXTURES:
Today: Ngezi U-19 vs Trojan Stars (Baobab Stadium), N’ombeyawora vs Golden Eagles (The Heart Stadium), MWOS vs Chinhoyi Stars (Ngoni Stadium), Black Rhinos vs AGAMA (Commando Barracks)
Tomorrow: PAM vs Black Mambas (Muriel Mine Stadium), Harare City vs Banket United (Gwanzura Stadium), Karoi United vs Zambezi G&C (Chikangwe Stadium), Cranborne Bullets vs FC Oden (Commando Barracks), Shamva Mine vs Chegutu Pirates (Shamva Mine Stadium), Chinhoyi Rangers vs Ali Sundowns (Chinhoyi Stadium)
