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Veronica Gwaze, Sports Reporter
BIKITA Minerals’ future in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is now in limbo.
The Lithium Boys, as they are affectionately known, have had a tough second half of the season which has seen them tumble from the top eight teams in the marathon first half deep into the bottom half presently.
Currently, the Arnold Jani led side sit on position 13 on the log table with 30 points in 27 games.
To their fairy-tale start to the season which includes unexpected victories over giants CAPS United and current log leaders Simba Bhora, Jani admits that he fears relegation.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, he admits that a 6-1 defeat at the hands of struggling TelOne on Wednesday at Ascot Stadium, Gweru further compounded their problems.
“This is a difficult situation that we find ourselves in and I have been telling the boys that we cannot keep dropping points at this stage, one or two wins is all we need to reignite life into our camp,” he said.
Just a point above relegation, Bikita face a tough run of fixtures as the season comes to an end.
A date against Manica Diamonds will be their assignment this weekend before they take on fellow league debutants Chegutu Pirates, reigning champions Ngezi Platinum Stars, Greenfuel, Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Hwange in that order.
“We know every single point is crucial for us right now; one win could be the start of an unbeaten run,” said Jani.
“Our biggest challenge is that we have not been scoring goals, despite playing a good game so this is the challenge that we are trying to address right now.”
While Bikita have found the net 20 times so far, 18 of the goals are from the first half of the season.
Jani, who took over reigns midway in the first half of the season following the departure of Saul Chaminuka, bemoaned the departure of his key players during the midseason transfer window.
He feels that had Chaminuka’s famous ‘four plate stove’ remained intact, the Lithium Boys would not have been in the current predicament.
The four Allan Gahadzikwa, Masimba Mambare, Evans Katema and Carlton Munzabwa, said Jani, were the glue that held the team together.
However, owing to lack of remuneration, halfway through the season campaign, Gahadzikwa and Katema left together with other key players.
“When some of our boys left at midseason, our team was disoriented and to figure ourselves out felt like starting all over again,” Jani said.
“I was hurt to see them leave, even the departure of Coach Chaminuka emotionally affected me because he is someone I looked up to but I had to understand that they have families to feed.
“Although it proved to be a long, difficult and costly process, I am still happy with the effort and commitment that the boys are putting into it.”
Jani admits that he is currently under pressure with his paymasters demanding results.
“Under these circumstances we are both in a tricky situation because they have a brand to protect and I also have a reputation, job to protect as well,” he added.
“What is important now is for us to be able to handle the pressure that comes with fighting to survive the chop.
“How we manage pressure on the big fixtures like Manica, Ngezi, Highlanders, Chicken Inn will make or break us so we need to bring our A-game.
“Deep down, I am hopeful that even without motivation, we will survive if we play our cards right.
“This week, it will be a derby for us, we have to take advantage of being at home in front of our fans and bag some points.”
Online Reporter