adminChando Kupisa have retained some of the players who played for them last year and have also added other new faces such as former CAPS United defender Nyasha Mukumbi andthe ex-Harare City duo of William Kupera and Quinton Matsika.
Yesterday, Gunners coach Partson Ndabambi said it would be a huge challenge but his players were ready for the tough life in Division One.
“We are ready for our first game and we are only the team in the league that has been demoted from the top-flight and pressure would be on us as all the teams would want to beat us.
“It is not a secret that we want to return to the PSL, it is going to be taxing with lots of pressure but the players are ready.
“It is going to be a tricky encounter against ZRP, they are new in the league and are very eager to play well, especially playing against a former Premiership team.
“We have added quite a number of new players such as Philip Nelson, Ronald Mwanza, Norest Mkwezvaramba, Macdonald Motsi and Tendai Huwa and in terms of youth and experience we are a balanced,” said Ndabambi.
From last year’s squad, they still have players such as goalkeeper Clayton Dombo, Charles Makuruva, Wellington Kamudyariwa, Wesley Matute and Moses Demera.
It is also a big clash at Ngoni in Norton when league runners up DStv Rangers make the short trip for a tie against Power Master.
Power Master are now using the Norton venue as they seek to bring Division One football to the community. And coach Jackson Munyeza, who is also the owner of the team, says they are looking at a top four finish.
“This season we are not playing for much, but to stay in the top four, and winning the league would be a bonus.
“Last year we finished on sixth position and a top finish four is acceptable but outside that it is not acceptable,” said Munyaka.
The team has added some of the veteran players such as former DeMbare defender Nyasha Chazika, Ephraim Gwiliza, Terrence Chitsamba and Lloyd Hlahla.
“We have replaced half of the team with equally good players and have added about five experienced players but Hlahla would be only available when he is not busy at work.
We also have young players in the team,” said Munyaka.
The coach believes their match against DStv should be regarded as the clash of the titans.
Power Master won 1-0 at their home last year while DStv won the reverse tie 3-1.
“They are elders in the league, we respect them and it should be an exciting match.
“We moved to Norton so that the people there have a feel of football, they have been neglected for too long. They love football and we know they will support us this year and we are here to stay,” said Munyaka.
Newboys Mushowani make their first trip to Harare when they engage Twalumba at Dzivarasekwa tommorow afternoon.
The Mashonaland West side have made it clear that they are gunning for the league title.
Yesterday, Mushowani Stars secretary-general Jestina Mafumhe Mutasa said they were ready for their debut Division One match.
“We have been preparing since January and we are ready for the challenge and we are not going to be intimidated.
“As a team we want to be promoted to the PSL but we have been hearing that it is not easy especially in the first year, but we are geared, so if we fail we would want to finish in the top four,” said Mutasa.
Fixtures
Tomorrow ZPC Kariba v Chegutu (Chaminuka), Twalumba v Mushowani Stars (Dzivarasekwa), Flame Lilly v Skylink (Chikurubi), Power Master v DStv Rangers (Ngoni), Gunners v ZRP Morris Depot (Lafarge), Blue Rangers v Commando, Jumbo Giants v Lake Harvest.
Sunday: DC Academy v Forester (Hellenics).
Online Reporter