adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
AFTER picking just two points in the last four matches, Black Rhinos have declared war on Gunners when the two teams meet this afternoon at Rimuka in the Northern Region Division One Soccer League.
Rhinos managed two draws against Blue Swallows and Herentals and lost to Ngezi Platinum and Mushowani Stars in their last four matches.
The army side’s coach, Droment Chirova, said today’s game was a must-win for them if they are to keep up with log leaders Ngezi Platinum.
Their poor run in the last four games has seen them dropping from second to third place.
“We are trying to make sure that we are really focused towards this game. Gunners are a good side, they have played very well. I think for the past three games we were not playing well, we drew one game and lost two games.
“So, we have to make sure we concentrate.
“We are going to take advantage of the fact that we are playing at home. We don’t have to give away those three points. We are trying to recover; it has been a bad patch, but it will pass,” said Chirova.
Both teams are former Premiership clubs.
Chirova was not amused with the attitude displayed by some of his players in their game against Mushowani.
“As from Tuesday, we had a meeting with the players; we sat down and discussed a lot of things to see what’s happening with them.
“It’s something we have corrected and I think from now the attitude will be right.
“Everyone agreed that they are at fault; they are to blame, but from now on we have re-organised.
“Some of the youngsters are immature, they don’t know that the level we are playing at is almost Premiership,” Chirova said.
Fourth-placed Gunners will be hoping for a positive result as they seek to remain among the top teams.
In matches slated for tomorrow, Ngezi Platinum will be travelling to Kariba for a tie against Lake Harvest.
The log leaders are enjoying a good run and coach Clifton Kadurira said they are looking for maximum points in all their matches.
Ngezi will be missing their top goalscorer Innocent Sokosi.
“Everything has gone well except that Innocent Sokosi will not be available for selection because of a hamstring injury.
“It might take three to four weeks for him to heal, but everyone is available for selection.
“We will try our level best to get maximum points,” said Kadurira.
Lake Harvest coach Ralph Kawondera expects a tough match.
“It’s a very tough game, we are playing the log leaders, but there isn’t much difference because we are both playing in the same league.
“We have told our guys that there isn’t much difference between us and them.
“There is nothing special about Ngezi; it’s only that they are leading, but we can still beat them come Sunday.
“Everyone is looking forward to playing, we are playing the log leaders and already that’s a motivation to the players,” said Kawondera.
The fish farmers will be without the services of their winger Absolom Rupiya and attacking midfielder Keith Mavhunga due to injuries.
Fixtures:
Today: Black Rhinos v Gunners (Rimuka), Darwin v Blue Swallows (Pfura), Zatex v Karoi United (Alaska), Starbill v Dstv Rangers (Rufaro), ZRP Morris v DC Academy (Morris).
Tomorrow: ZRP FC v Mushowani (Morris), Seven Flames v Herentals (Rufaro), Lake Harvest v Ngezi Platinum (Nyamhunga), Blue Jets v Cargo Carriers (Rimuka).
Online Reporter