Fixtures break draws mixed opinions from coaches

CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches have reacted differently to the brief fixtures break that has been necessitated by the Fifa International break.

The break has seen the Warriors being invited to take part in a Four Nations invitational tournament in Malawi.

As a result, PSL Match Day Three fixtures that were scheduled for this weekend, were moved forward to March 28 and 29.

Week Four matches will be played on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

Hwange head coach, Nation Dube said the mini fixtures “break” has negatively affected their rhythm.

“We were now slowly finding our rhythm and we would have loved to play this weekend. Now, it’s like we will have to restart again while our aim was to keep on playing, with the aim of continuing to rectify our mistakes in game situations. With these boys, at times it would be like we are restarting from game one but I have always told them about the need for continuity,” said Dube.

In their next game, Hwange will seek to utilise home advantage when they take on unpredictable Bulawayo Chiefs, deep in the bowels of Colliery Stadium.

In their previous game, Chipangano held Dynamos to a two-all draw. Bulawayo Chiefs played a one-all stalemate against Highlanders.

After their game against Chiefs, Chipangano will engage in an away fixture against Simba Bhora that will be played on Easter Monday.

“It’s unfortunate that you cannot say no to a fixture. But I think that will be too demanding, considering our location. I’m very much worried about our recovery sessions. If only this squashed programme could have come after we had played more games,” said Dube.

Arenel Movers head coach, Farai Tawachera reckoned they will not have enough preparatory time.

“I think there is no break here. Look, maybe we are not playing this weekend, but look how squashed the program is from Thursday to Sunday. So as a team, we have to prepare adequately because next week we will not have enough preparation time. There is a need to attend to the grey areas that we aren’t doing well,” said Tawachera.

His side has managed to collect two points from two games, after playing identical goalless draws against Ngezi Platinum Stars and Chicken Inn.

In their next game, Tawachera’s men are set to welcome Herentals College at Luveve Stadium, before they make the trip to Harare for their date against Caps United, set for Easter Sunday.

Chicken Inn head coach, Joey Antipas said he is happy that the break gives them some extra time to look into their squad.

“Actually, we have been ready to compete and while to us as a league the break might have come early, I think it’s a blessing in disguise. It’s an extra time to look into our team and psyche up the boys while we also hope that those who picked up knocks recover,” said Antipas.

Chicken Inn are next Thursday scheduled to lock horns with former champions FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium, before they square it off against ZPC Kariba on Easter Sunday at Luveve Stadium.

PSL Week Three Fixtures

Thursday March 28

CAPS United v Bikita Minerals (Rufaro), Arenel Movers v Herentals (Luveve), FC Platinum v Chicken Inn (Mandava), ZPC Kariba v Ngezi

Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga), Greenfuel v TelOne (Greenfuel Arena), Manica Diamonds v Chegutu Pirates (Sakubva)

Friday March 29

Highlanders v Simba Bhora (Barbourfields), Hwange v Bulawayo Chiefs (Colliery Stadium), Yadah Stars v Dynamos (Rufaro)