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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Correspondent
CHAPUNGU mentor, John Nyikadzino is arguably the happiest coach in the land at the moment after going on a six match unbeaten run. This has seen the airmen climb the ladder to fifth position on the Castle Lager Premiership table. However, the same cannot be said about his Whawha counterpart across town, Lloyd Mutasa who could be the most disappointed gaffer at the moment after watching his charges being pummeled for six goals for the second time this season.
After a sluggish start to the Castle Lager Premiership season in which the airmen failed to score in three games losing two in the process “Waru Waru” found their rhythm in their one-nil win against Highlanders and have not looked back ever since.
Since the Highlanders win in week four, the airmen now rank among the most consistent teams in the league after amassing 14 points from a possible 18.
Nyikadzino has remained humble despite his side’s resurgence saying it is still too early in the season to be talking about his side’s chances.
“It’s still a long way to go so we cannot be talking about our prospects in as far as the league campaign is concerned. However, I’m happy especially with my players who responded positively to what we were going through.
“We didn’t give in to various pressures that we faced in the run up to the season and I’m happy the results are now coming,” said the gaffer in apparent reference to the turbulence which hit Chapungu after some of the team’s management had roped in former FC Platinum coach, Jairos Tapera who was to assume the post of technical adviser.
With the backing of a section of the executive, Nyikadzino refused to work with Tapera and he is now being vindicated.
As the airmen are enjoying a purple patch, neighbours and prisons and correctional services outfit, Whawha are operating in fits and starts and the six nil massacre to Triangle has exposed the squad’s lack of depth.
After a morale boosting one nil win over Dynamos on Thursday last week, “Chekera Pasi” fielded the same side against Triangle and the fatigue was glaringly evident and it came as no surprise as the Gweru outfit was three nil down inside the first 20 minutes.
Mutasa is the first to admit to his side’s lack of arsenal and is praying that the June transfer will approach before his side finds itself in murky waters of relegation.
“The problem is that we don’t have depth in the side and we’re forced to field basically the same team.
“Playing two games inside four days is energy sapping on the boys but there’s nothing that we can do now, we need to reinforce the side during the transfer window,” he said.
Whawha who have two wins over FC Platinum (2–1) and most recently Dynamos (1–0) to their credit need to pick points away as they have only managed a point against Flame Lily in their away trip.
Such a record has disastrous consequences at the end of the season if the side which is currently third from bottom entertains any chances of remaining in the elite league.
Online Reporter