Easter Football fiesta! Bulawayo Chiefs, Simba Bhora clash as PSL returns from international break

WHILE he concedes that Bulawayo Chiefs have endured a difficult run in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) so far, head coach John Nyikadzino believes the Fifa International break provided his side with a timely opportunity to regroup ahead of this afternoon’s clash against Simba Bhora at Barbourfields Stadium.

PSL action resumes following the international break, which saw the Warriors participate in the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament that concluded in Botswana on Tuesday evening. Zimbabwe emerged victorious after edging Zambia 1–0 in the final to lift the trophy.

Chiefs head into the encounter still reeling from back to back defeats against Dynamos and MWOS, making today’s fixture a must win if they are to steady their campaign.

“Of late we have been having a tough run, but all I can say is, we managed to utilise the international break to regroup, focus and the players are now determined to make sure that we try and come out with something in our next encounter (versus Simba Bhora.

“We haven’t won at home and it will be very important for us to turn Barbourfields into our fortress and we make our supporters happy. It’s a big game, it’s going to be a tough match. Our fans should expect a good performance from the boys. Everyone is ready for selection and I’m very happy with the morale in camp,” said Nyikadzino.

Simba Bhora, meanwhile, come into the match after playing out a goalless draw against Highlanders in their Week Four encounter under the guidance of Bulawayo-born coach Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu.

The fixture will mark a homecoming of sorts for Mpofu as he returns to Bulawayo to face the PSL returnees.

“It would be good to make my first trip home (Bulawayo) as Simba Bhora coach. I can say Barbourfields is a familiar territory but there is a lot that needs to be done. We will need to fight like never before, there will be no time to relax all in search of maximum points,” said Mpofu.

Elsewhere, Chicken Inn departed the City of Kings and Queens in the early hours of yesterday en route to Chisumbanje, where they are scheduled to lock horns with struggling Manica Diamonds at GreenFuel Arena.

The Gem Boys have endured their worst-ever start to life in the country’s top-flight league after failing to collect a single point from the opening four rounds of fixtures.

Log leaders CAPS United will travel to Mhondoro for a potentially thrilling encounter against Ngezi Platinum Stars, a match that promises to keep supporters on the edge of their seats.

Interestingly, Makepekepe features several former Ngezi faces, including Takesure Chiragwi, Tinashe Nengomasha, and players Obriel Chirinda and Richard Hachiro, all of whom were part of the Platinum Stars setup last season.

Chiragwi previously served as Ngezi head coach, with Nengomasha as team manager — roles they have since assumed at the rejuvenated Green Machine.

TelOne will also be in action as they welcome defending champions Scottland FC, who remain unbeaten in the ongoing league campaign.

Days after Dynamos secured a major four year sponsorship deal with AfricaBet and ContiPay as they seek to reclaim past glories, the Harare giants are set to host MWOS at Rufaro Stadium.

On Good Friday, a solitary fixture will see Benjani Mwaruwari’s Highlanders take on Joel “Dubai” Luphahla’s FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium.

League action continues on Easter Sunday, with Simba Bhora hosting Dynamos at Wadzanayi Stadium, while Makepekepe face Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium.

On Easter Monday, attention will be firmly fixed on the clash between defending champions Scottland FC and Highlanders — a heavyweight showdown expected to draw a capacity crowd at the country’s ceremonial home of football.

The Gamecocks will entertain FC Hunters at Barbourfields, FC Platinum host Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava Stadium, while Lloyd Chitembwe’s Triangle United welcome Hardrock to Gibbo Stadium. -@FungaiMuderere