Hwange newboys declare war on Platinum

silverware in the top-flight league.
The trio has declared war on favourites FC Platinum in the Bob ‘88 Super Cup this Sunday at Rufaro.
Chipangano have a spring in their step and there is a strong belief in their camp that they will lift the season’s first trophy.
Last weekend, the Colliery side, playing in the first leg of the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup, dismissed Zanzibar outfit Jamhuri 3-0 away from home.
The team had beaten Dynamos 1-0 to reach the final of the Bob 88 Super Cup.
On their tour of South Africa they managed a goalless draw with Absa Premiership side Platinum Stars and lost 0-1 to league champions Orlando Pirates.
Hwange added a few new players such as Daniel Kamunenga from Monomotapa, former Shabanie midfielder Tawanda Mareya and striker Evans Rusike from Zimbabwe Saints and midfielder Lungu from Hwange juniors. They also acquired the trio of Chipeta, Chipere and Allan Tavarwisa from DStv.
Chipeta and Chipere belong to Sprouting Academy, a Division Two side, which nurtured Zimbabwe international midfielder, Archford Gutu.
And the young players have been thrown in the deep end and have delivered.
Hwange coach Tennant Chilumba has already tipped the youngsters to do well in their maiden dance in the Premiership if they don’t lose their heads.
Yesterday, former Zimbabwe Under-17 international, Chipeta, a natural right back who played at the heart of defence against Jamhuri said he feels humbled to be playing in the African Safari.
“Everything is just going on well for me and I feel great to be playing in the Premiership and getting a place into the team.
“I didn’t know that by this time of the year I would be featuring in a Cup final and I am looking forward to the weekend’s match and if selected I will play my heart out and lift the trophy.
“It would be good to win a trophy with Hwange and the season has really started well for me.
“I played well in Zanzibar and hope we will win again next week and progress to the next round. I am not yet a complete player but I have been training extra hard since joining this club. The level of competition here is high and you have to work hard to get a place into the team.
“I have managed to feature in all the matches we have played so far and in the match against Jamhuri I played in the centreback role because the Zambian Aaron Katebe, who plays that position, is not registered.
“My usual position is right back and I am glad our defence did well and did not concede a goal,” said Chipeta.
Chipere, who played as the defensive linkman, said he was now focused on the Cup game this weekend.
“I really played well last weekend and just being confident with myself helped me in that game. We want to win against Platinum and it feels good to be playing in the Confederation Cup and a Cup final within one week.
“I am enjoying my football at Hwange and will continue to put hundred percent effort. Our coach is really good and just chooses you to play according to form,” said Chipere.
Lungu, who was promoted from the club’s junior side which plays in the Southern Region Division One, also declared war on FC Platinum.
“Judging by our form and the way we have been doing we should win the Cup and beat Platinum 2-0. We are playing well as a team and did well away in Zanzibar and we should post another big win in the second match next week. I am doing well and I hope I will continue to get a place in the team,” said Lungu.
FC Platinum are looking at nothing short of victory.
The miners are fresh from their victory last Sunday in Swaziland were they put one foot into the next round after convincingly dismissing Green Mamba 4-2.
Club secretary Phil Muvengwa said they are taking the match seriously.
“We are very happy because the Bob 88 Super Cup is our first cup final since gaining promotion into the Premiership. We are taking the match seriously.
“The important thing to us is joining the entire nation in celebrating His Excellency’s birthday. It is our wish that the trophy, given that this is the second edition of the tournament, changes base but I do not mean going to Hwange as it is too long a distance to take such a prestigious trophy by road.
“It’s very far. We respect Hwange as they are a very good side. They have done a lot as they finished on a very good position on the log last season proving to the nation that they are a formidable side. The Zanzibar result speaks volumes about the coalminers’ potential but the Bob 88 Super Cup should find its way to Zvishavane on Sunday.”
The Platinum miners will miss their coach, Rahman Gumbo, who is with the national team together with influential players Donald “Dombo” Ngoma and Charles Sibanda.