adminSenior Sports Reporter
COACH Kenny “Bokande” Kachara’s four-match unbeaten run since he took over the reigns at Mutare City Rovers will come under severe scrutiny when his team comes up against Eastern Region Division One pacesetters Dongo Sawmills at Sakubva stadium in a potentially explosive derby tomorrow (Saturday).
The match kicks off at 3pm and the cheapest ticket costs a dollar.
The Francis Dongo-bankrolled club, which is also known as Buffaloes Juniors, are only two points ahead of third-placed City Rovers thus tomorrow’s result will have a huge bearing not only on the next log standings table, but also on the race for the coveted league title.
Nonetheless, all eyes will be on Kachara, who has won all the four matches he has been in charge when he bounced back as the City Rovers’ coach after the Mutare Municipality side sacked Joseph Takaringofa about four weeks ago.
The results are justifying the decision to wield the axe on Takaringofa after Magusha, as City Rovers are affectionately referred to, went on to beat Gaza Gunners 3-1 before edging troublesome Surrey 1-0.
Rovers then thumped hapless Chivhu Stars 7-1 and last weekend Kachara, once again, barked instructions from the touchline as Rovers handed ZRP Masvingoa a 6-2 drubbing.
“It is indeed going to be a tough encounter for both teams. It demands thorough preparations and we are going to do just that. We want the three points and our opponents also want them, hence the better team of the day will win,” said Kachara. He regrets the possible unavailability of defensive link Simbarashe Mutenha, who picked an ankle injury recently.
“We really miss him (Simbarashe Mutenha) in that position. Although we won by a wide margin in our previous league match, I could feel his absence,” Kachara said. His opposite number at Dongo, Shadreck “Father’ Mugurasave, believes the better team of the day will win.
“I think it is going to be a good match for spectators and all neutrals. Both teams are playing exciting football and we have no reason to underestimate them. I think the better team of the day will win the encounter,” said the soft-spoken Mugurasave.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Mutare City Rovers spokesperson Clayton Masekesa urged soccer fans in Mutare to throng Sakubva in their numbers.
“This is a very important match for us as we would want to lift our high hopes of getting promoted into the elite league next season.
“Derbies do not only bring competition between the two teams, but, they also bring great football excitement. Both teams are currently playing very well and there is great potential of a soccer thriller.
“As Mutare City Rovers, We are on cloud nine after the chain of the good results. This derby will be a great opportunity for Mutare football lovers to come and witness the football talent that we have in Mutare.
“We would like to thank our supporters, stakeholders and council management for their unwavering support and we hope that we will be able to fulfil our dreams,” read part of the statement.
Matchday 11 Results:
Mtare Polytechnic 1, Renco Mine 1; Tenax FC 2, FC Three Leaves 2; Gaza Gunners 0, Masvingo United 2; Surrey FC 2, Mwenezana 5; Chivhu Stars 2, Ruwa United 2; ZRP Masvingo 2, Mutare City Rovers 6; Dongo Sawmills 2, Gutu Leopards 0; Eastern Stars FC 0, Black Eagles 0:
Matchday 12 fixtures:
Mutare City Rovers v Dongo Sawmills (Saturday, Sakubva stadium 3pm); Ruwa United v ZRP Masvingo; Mwenezana v Chivhu Stars; Masvingo United FC V Surrey Abattoirs; FC Three Leaves v Gaza Gunners; Renco Mine v Tenax; Gutu Leopards v Eastern Stars; Black Eagles v Mutare Polytechnic.
Online Reporter