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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
LOG leaders Gunners should brace up for a tough encounter when they face Karoi United this afternoon at Chikangwe in the World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league.
Gunners, currently leading the race hope, to maintain their pole position as they seek promotion to the Premier League next year. However, it’s not going to be an easy task with 13 games to go and the race is getting tough every week with clubs fighting for survival. Gunners coach, Kudakwashe Masaraure, said they know what to expect at Chikangwe and are ready to take on the challenge.
“Every game we play it’s a must win. It’s going to be tough and we are not underrating them. The boys know we have to play like we are playing Flame Lilly. Two weeks from now we are playing Flame Lilly. This week we are playing Karoi and then Morris. So our aim is we get six points in these two games so that when we meet Flame Lilly we have that three-point lead.
“We are not expecting anything less than a win. If we fail to collect maximum points on this game when we play Flame Lilly it will be a do or die game.
“With the number of games left and where we are right now, we need to win. We cannot rely on the results of other teams, we just need to work hard for ourselves and be safe,” said Masaraure.
Masaraure said they have a formidable team with the likes of Moses Demera and MacDonald Motsi expected to lead the team in today’s tie.
“I think that’s where our chances are because those two (Demera and Motsi) score regularly. Both of them can’t be off form on the same day because if you look at it we have 33 goals and from those goals Demera has 12 while Motsi has 10.
“And the rest are from the other players. So when it comes to scoring we have no problems,” Masaraure said.
While Gunners need the win to maintain their lead Karoi has become a tricky side when they play the top teams.
They have beaten Mushowani and Bindura before proving that no team is big in the league.
And their coach, Luckson Phiri said they are gunning for a win to keep his side out of the relegation zone.
“Looking at our opponents they are not lightweights, they are quite a good team. They are seasoned campaigners vying for the championship while we are trying to avoid relegation so it’s going to be tough.
“It’s going to be hell here in Karoi.
“When we play the big guys, it’s like beating Goliath and we are the David. So in that regard we will do everything in this game to get three points. I would say our chances are 100 percent plus of getting three points. I just want them (Gunners) to come knowing that it’s not going to be easy,” said Phiri.
Karoi are bubbling with confidence after dismissing Royal Classic 3-0 in their last game that saw them jumping three places up the ladder to position 11.
Online Reporter