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Chipangano, who received a psychological boost to the campaign when the PSL’s disciplinary committee nullified the 4-2 loss they suffered to Harare giants Dynamos following the assault of coaches Nation Dube and Mebelo Njekwa, have a competitive junior team that plays in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league and is coached by former Hwange defence stalwart, Brian Njobvu.
“We are likely going to promote a few players from our developmental side instead of bringing in new faces from outside,” said Hwange coach Nation Dube.
He said with the quality of players their junior team has, it will not be fair to deny the players an opportunity to progress to the senior team.
Dube said chances were high that some of the first team players could be offloaded to accommodate the youngsters.
Hwange, who play fellow miners Shabanie Mine in a league match at the Colliery Stadium tomorrow could be second on the log if they beat Shabanie depending on the outcome of other matches
“The boys are ready for Shabanie Mine and we have prepared adequately for this match,” he said.
Shabanie Mine coach Masomere is aware of the danger that can be posed by his former club, both as a player and coach but is however not losing sleep over that.
“We are not worried about anything at all. It will be a good game of football as both teams have been playing well even though we lost our last home match against Highlanders. Morale is high, as usual,” said Masomere.
He reported a clean bill of health as he left Zvishavane for Hwange yesterday.
Statistically, Chipangano have a superior record over the asbestors miners who have beaten Hwange once since 2006 and this win was last year when they beat Hwange 3-2 at Maglas Stadium in a league match.
The reverse leg at the Colliery saw Tennant Chilumba’s boys recording a 2-1 win.
Hwange will however miss the services of strikers, Gilbert Zulu and skipper Rodwell Chinyengetere. Zulu is part of the seven suspended Premiership players this weekend while Chinyengetere is away with the national team for the World Cup qualifier against Mozambique in Maputo tomorrow.
Premiership action starts today with two matches lined up in Zvishavane and Harare while the rest of the games are set for tomorrow.
Struggling Bulawayo side, Quelaton meet FC Platinum at Mandava Stadium. FC Platinum are yet to lose a match since that painful Africa Day 3-1 defeat to highflying Highlanders that almost claimed the scalp of head coach Rahman Gumbo.
Police side, Black Mambas, beaten 1-0 by Adam Ndlovu’s Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium hope to revenge the loss when they play 2010 champions Motor Action.
Tomorrow, Bulawayo soccer fans will witness derby number two when log leaders Highlanders take on Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium in what promises to be thrilling match. Caps United play league debutants Hardbody at Ascot Stadium in Gweru. Hardbody coach Tavaka “Dread” Gumbo said as usual his team will have the advantage of playing at its home ground.
“We are playing very well and our secret is the home fans that are coming in their numbers to cheer the only Premiership team in Gweru.
“I am also happy that most of the teams are finding it hard to adjust to our home ground,” Gumbo told our Midlands Correspondent.
Fixtures
Today: FC Platinum v Quelaton (Mandava), Black Mambas v Motor Action (Morris Depot)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields), Buffaloes v Gunners (Sakubva), Hwange v Shabanie Mine (Colliery), Hardbody v Caps United (Ascot), Monomotapa v Blue Rangers (Rufaro)
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