adminDon Makanyanga
Sport Reporter
IT is business as usual for Herentals’ gaffer Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva; who simply refuses to let the club’s match fixing scandal haunt him, and is already planning for the upcoming Premier Soccer League season.
The soft-spoken gaffer said the issues bedevilling the club had not translated onto the field and that he is happy with the positive approach his boys have shown during the pre-season.
“Our preparations have been going on very well, and the good thing is that the issues that are affecting the club off-field have not affected our preparations.
“Our players are focused on what lies ahead, and the management has been playing a pivotal role to ensure that our preparations run smoothly,” said Mutiwekuziva. As part of their preparations for the upcoming season Herentals hosted Dynamos in a friendly match at Morris Depot, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Herentals developmental side graduate Clinton Jimu was on target for the students while Dynamos new signing Tanaka Chidhobha scored for the Glamour Boys.
Herentals have lost four of their key players during the transfer window, but Mutiwekuziva is confident of his new signings stepping up to the plate.
“We have lost four key players during the off-season; players that will not be easily replaceable, but I am happy with what I have seen so far,” he said.
The friendly between Herentals and Dynamos saw the two sides parading their new signings, as they seek to also come up with formidable combinations ahead of the new season.
The season officially kicks off on March 21.
“We are using these matches to fine- tune our squad” .
Unlike Herentals; Dynamos, who were forced into a major overhaul, have brought in 10 new signings.
The team management seem happy with what they have seen so far.
“Everyone knows that we brought in quite a number of players, during the transfer market, but I am happy to report some positives in the six weeks that we have been training.
“With the team that we have assembled; I think we have better quality than we had last season.
‘Expect a good season this year,” said Dynamos assistant coach Biggie Zuze.
Meanwhile Caps United beat ambitious Division One side Simba Stars 2-0, with the Green Machine goals coming from new signings Tinashe Balakasi and Ishamael Wadi.
Caps United coach Darlington Dodo also expressed satisfaction at the progress being made by his charges.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but I am happy with what we I have seen so far.
“The players are adapting well to our system of play, and I think by the time the league kicks-off we will be in good shape,” said Dodo.
Despite finding himself on the losing end in the Simba Stars coach Tutani praised his charges’ performances.
“I am disappointed with the result, but happy with the performance.
“Remember we were playing the big guns.
“We still have about a month, before the season starts, and we have been playing the big guns of Zimbabwean football.
“I am happy with the progress, being shown by the players,” said Tutani.
Online Reporter