Ex-boss faces Black Rhinos in grudge match

Monalisa John

Zimpapers Sports Hub

The past meets the present at The Heart Stadium on Friday afternoon, and Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera isn’t backing down.

The seasoned gaffer, now in charge of Northern Region Division One debutants N’ombeyaora, is plotting a statement win against his former club Black Rhinos in a high-stakes ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League clash.

Having crossed the floor at the start of the season, Saruchera has enjoyed a dream start at N’ombeyaora. His new charges have been in ruthless form, steamrolling past PAM FC and Harare City with identical 4-0 wins, and they are hungry for more.

With his team yet to concede or drop points, Saruchera believes their early dominance is no fluke.

“We are prepared and we look forward to the game. It will be a difficult match, but we are ready,” he said.

“There is no easy game in this league. We respect Chauya Chipembere because they’ve been around the block, but we are building something strong here and will take it game by game. This one’s a tricky encounter, but we’re up for it.”

In another top-billing fixture, second-placed Chinhoyi Rangers square off with FC Oden in a Mashonaland West derby.

The newly promoted sides have hit the ground running, Rangers are unbeaten after two games, while FC Oden sit fourth on the table with four points.

Both sides will be out to prove that their fast start is no flash in the pan.

NRSL Fixtures

Today

Black Mambas v Banket United (Mkusi Academy)

Trojan Stars v Agama (Trojan Mine)

Chinhoyi Stars v FC Oden (Chinhoyi)

Zambezi C&G v Ali Sundowns (Centenary)

Shamva Mine v Cranborne Bullets (Shamva Mine)

Golden Eagles v Chinhoyi Rangers (Ellis Robbins)

MWOS U-19 v PAM (Gwanzura)