admin
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MANICALAND’S torch bearers in the Castle Lager Premiership League, Manica Diamonds are fretting over their top goal scorer, Nyasha Chintuli and the impressive, Charles Teguru’s fitness ahead of a potentially explosive tie against log leaders, Chicken Inn away at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo tomorrow (Saturday).
Chintuli and Teguru are set to pass late fitness tests after nursing injuries for the greater part of this week.
Even though there could be enough replacements for the injured duo, coach, Johanisi Nhumwa would have wanted to have all his artillery at his disposal given the importance to tomorrow’s encounter in their campaign.
Manica Diamonds are fast losing the grip in the upper echelons of the Castle Lager Premiership log after an impressive start that saw the Mutare-based outfit spending weeks either on pole position or the second slot.
Currently, Nhumwa’s men are in fourth position.
The former Masvingo United coach confirmed that Chintuli and Teguru will have to pass a late fitness test.
“We are indeed worried that Nyasha Chintuli and Charles Teguru are nursing injuries, and both players will have to pass late fitness tests to see if they can feature in the crucial match against Chicken Inn away in Bulawayo.
“There is no doubt that we would have wanted to have them up for selection because the two have been part of our starting 11 in a number of matches and that only speaks volumes about their importance. We also have Timire Mamvura who is also injured and Jorum Muchambo who is not feeling well,” said Nhumwa.
Chintuli is the Manica Diamonds top goal scorer with seven goals to his name as the season gets into MatchDay 10.
Nhumwa reckons it will be an exciting match against their highly rated opponents.
“Both – Chicken Inn and Manica Diamonds – are playing an exciting brand of attacking football and this makes Saturday’s encounter a potentially explosive one.
“We have been preparing for that match just like we have prepared for all other matches we have played simply because we have respect for all the teams in this league,” said Nhumwa.
Chicken Inn, who have gone for seven matches without tasting defeat, will be missing the services of Neilson Ketala after he accrued three yellow cards.
The Gamecocks have shown great pedigree after dismissing Ngezi Platinum away at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro, their first triumph at that football match venue since Madamburo became part of the top-flight league.
Meanwhile, lanky linkman, Liberty Chakoroma will be facing his former paymasters in the match against Chicken Inn.
The former Pretoria Callies and Buffaloes midfielder spent two years at the Joey Antipas-coached team.
Chakoroma said: “It is just like any other match to me. The fact that I spent two seasons with Chicken Inn does not change anything. They are a different side now, with different plans and aims, hence I just have to concentrate on my game plan with my new club. No doubt, we are not travelling to Bulawayo for a holiday. We want the best of results we can get and hopefully we will be smiling at the end of the encounter.”
Online Reporter