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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
HERENTALS’ Chibuku Super Cup semi-final victory over holders FC Platinum never came on a silver platter.
The Students upset the miners at their own backyard last Sunday when bundling them out of the biggest knockout tournament in the country.
But, the victory, attained via the penalty lottery, the match having finished 1-1 in regulation time, came with a huge price.
They could go for at least two weeks without three of their key players who were all forced to hobble out in the heat of Zvishavane.
Defender Brighton Majarira, who has had a blinder of a season, as well as attackers John Zhuwawo and Tafadzwa Jim are all carrying injuries suffered in that highly-charged tie.
Probably their warming-up at a rugged Grasham School grounds, due to a near logistical disaster brought by the double-header fixtures at Mandava after the first semi-final between Black Rhinos and Bulawayo Chiefs spilled to penalties, also contributed to the injuries.
The Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva-coached charges are now pre-occupied with their chase for a top-four finish in the league before they can focus on the Chibuku Super Cup final against Bulawayo Chiefs on November 19 at Barbourfields.
And their task starts today without three of their crucial members.
The Students host Chicken Inn at the National Sports Stadium today knowing fully well that failure to win will dent their chances of finishing the season in the top-four.
Mutiwekuziva said the injuries to the three will affect his team.
“If you look at it closely, these three players have been very key in our quest to finish the season on a high. Tafadzwa (Jim) and Brighton (Majarira) have started almost all the games this season. John (Zhuwawo) is our top goal scorer in the league and he is also a top assist provider,” said Mutiwekuziva.
“This is a critical stage in the marathon and every coach wants to have all his players available for selection. The three got injured in our last match, the Chibuku Super Cup semi-final against FC Platinum on Sunday.
“They all had to come off due to injuries with Jim and Majarira having to be helped out of the pitch due to pain.
“We will try to adjust and play our normal game with those who are available.
“We obviously have equally impressive replacements who can compete just like the three so we are looking forward to a very good match against Chicken Inn on Friday (today).
“Chicken Inn is a top club and they have a lot of seasoned players who are top class.
“We have to be ourselves, we have to compete and try to get positive results. We need to get the three points so that we also finish the season in the top-four.
“That is the priority. We have played in the Premiership for the past two seasons and its high time we stand tall and be counted. We are doing wonders in the Chibuku Super Cup and we should also perform well in the league.”
Herentals will welcome striker Tino Benza who missed last Sunday’s semi-final due to suspension while his father, Innocent, was an unused substitute and is also likely to start the match today.
Online Reporter