Guard against complacency, Stix tells Rhinos players

Tedious Manyepo Sports Reporter
BLACK RHINOS coach Stanford ‘Stix’ Mtizwa has warned his charges to guard against complacency when the Northern Region Division One pacesetters face struggling Banket United at Kuwadzana this afternoon.

The soldiers were last week held to a goalless stalemate by title rivals Karoi United in a match marred by controversial officiating at Commando and the former Premiership side need to quickly redeem themselves against Banket to consolidate their lead at the summit of the log standings.

“The game against Banket United is going to be tough considering that our league is now approaching the half-way mark.

“This is the period when every team becomes difficult to beat. We might be the log leaders, but then every team is motivated to play against the leaders.

“That is what makes our game against Banket very tough. We will be very cautious in our approach because anything near casual could spell disaster for our dream to qualify for the play-offs (promotional),” Mtizwa said.

Chipembere are sitting on top of the log standings with 35 points from 15 starts, eight above second placed Gunners, who are at Pfupajena this afternoon, for a date with Chegutu Pirates.

Third-placed Herentals, with 27 points, are on the road to Pfura where they intend to put stubborn Darwin United (25 points) to the guillotine in their own backyard despite the absence of their suspended influential player Gift Saunyama.

Karoi United would have to be on top of their game if they are to overcome Golden Valley at home.

Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera’s Cranborne Bullets, who had a flying start to the campaign before slipping to ninth place with 20 points having only managed a single point in their last four fixtures, are not throwing in the towel yet.

The Headquarters 2 Infantry Brigade outfit are at home to Mushowani Stars in a match which could go either way.

Fixtures:

Today: Cranborne Bullets v Mushowani Stars (Commando)

Chegutu Pirates vs Gunners (Pfupajena)

Kariba Waves vs Blue Swallows (Nyamhunga)

Banket Utd vs Black Rhinos (Kuwadzana)

Commando Bullets vs ZRP FC (Commando)

DStv Rangers vs Shamva (Old Hararians)

Karoi Utd vs Golden Valley (Chikangwe)

Sunday: ZRP Morris vs Flame Lily (Morris Depot)