admin
Curtworth Masango-Sports Reporter
SCOTTLAND coach Genesis Mangombe has hailed the influence of forward Leeroy Mavhunga as they seek to up-stage MWOS in a nail-biting Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) race.
The race has since been reduced to a two-horse race between MWOS and Scottland although Black Rhinos still have a mathematical chance.
The top two teams will be in action today as MWOS visits Golden Eagles at Ellis Robins school in the peak of the MatchDay 34 fixtures while Scottland visits Chinhoyi Stars.
MWOS and Golden Eagles have drawn their previous three matches in the NRSL 1-1 but Lloyd Mutasa’s log leaders are not in a position to drop points this time around.
MWOS have drawn two of their last three matches and squandered a four-point advantage they had over Scottland.
Third-placed Black Rhinos are on the road as well with a trip to Ngoni Stadium where they face Norton Community tomorrow. While there is no one individual player to be credited for Scottland’s presence in the title race following a mid-season shopping spree, Mavhunga features among them.
Mangombe and Mavhunga previously worked together at Yadah before the pint-sized winger moved to join giants CAPS United. He then moved to Botswana where he played for several teams before he was lured back to play for Scottland.
Mavhunga has played an immense role and has four goals and three assists since joining the club.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Mangombe hailed Mavhunga for his on and off-the-pitch conduct labelling him as one of the best wingers plighting their trade in the country.
“I used to coach Leeroy at Yadah, of course it was on a short stint but he understands what we want. His biggest weapon is speed, which suits our style of play very well and also the philosophy we want.
“Leeroy is an individual who expects special treatment, ukamubata sezai, and give him freedom he expresses himself well and delivers.
“Remember, he once played for the Warriors, and he is one of the prospects. You can see that he has everything in him to find his way back to the top.
“He is proving to be one of the best wingers in the country. He can take on defenders, give pinpoint crosses and he can do anything at any given time.
“That is exactly what we expect to see and he has been contributing immensely with goals and assists. He is also encouraging other youngsters like Keith Dinyero.
“He is improving by each day as you can see what he is doing on a match day he is also doing it in training just like Denver (Mukamba).
“In training the guys are scoring for fun and as a coach you know this person is reliable come match day. So I am also happy he is one person who doesn’t take alcohol or any form of drugs.
“He is a sober mind and I am quite sure if he maintains his form he will have another national team call-up,” said Mangombe.
Today
Chinhoyi Stars v Scottland (Chinhoyi Stadium), Golden Eagles v MWOS (Ellis Robins), Black Mambas v Herentals Un-der-20 (Mkushi Academy), DZ Royal Stars v Harare City (Commando Barracks)
Online Reporter