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Ricky Zililo Sports Reporter
PREMIERSHIP new boys Plumtree Chiefs will at the weekend go for a four-week training camp in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South.
The club, which has been quiet in the transfer market is under young mentor Thulani “Thuts” Sibanda and the coach said the camp in Mangwe is meant to cultivate teamwork.
“A few guys have joined us and to make sure that everyone pulls in the same direction there is a need for us to go on an uninterrupted training camp, which in this case will be four weeks.
“I am not at liberty to disclose what we will be doing there but among other things the aim is to cultivate team spirit and prepare for our season,” said Sibanda.
Bulawayo giants Highlanders left on Monday for their seven-day physical conditioning camp at former national cricket team’s captain Heath Streak’s farm in Inyathi.
Sibanda said Plumtree Chiefs, whose dream of playing their home matches in the border town hit a snag, will camp at the homestead of Mangwe National Assembly member Obedingwa Mguni.
Mguni has a massive 27-roomed double storey mansion at his Macingwane home area and a soccer field within his property.
“As you may be aware, Mguni promised to help the team when we won promotion and we will be at his home for the next four weeks, coming to Bulawayo or using Dingumuzi Stadium for friendly matches during the period.
“There is a soccer field at his home which we will use for our training programmes and everyone is looking forward to the camp,” Sibanda said.
Plumtree Chiefs have roped in ex-Highlanders defender Anzilom “Malume” Ndlovu to the technical team as assistant coach with Nkosiyazi “Juice” Ncube being the goalkeepers’ coach.
Plumtree Chiefs have decided to maintain the bulk of their players who won them the Premiership slot after being crowned Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League champions.
Defensive midfielder Proud “Sjankala” Zireni, arguably one of the best anchormen in the country is a former national Under-20 player who tasted Premiership action when Bantu Rovers was still in the topflight league in 2009 and was part of Quelaton’s Premiership squad that was relegated in 2012.
Strikers Kundishora Chakanyuka and Tedious Mugumanja, Innocent “Joker” Kutsanzira and Wilberforce Chiramba are some of Plumtree Chiefs players with Premiership experience.
They have also retained captain Lindelani “Vice” Ncube and 20-year-old George Majika who were consistent performers last season and are eager to make their mark in the Premiership.
Sibanda moved swiftly during the festive season to lure Ramson Kawari from relegated Beitbridge side Tripple B.
“There are a number of players that are interested in joining us and as much as we would want to have them on board, we cannot accommodate everyone. I am still working on my final list but very soon we will be letting you know which players we are releasing,” said Sibanda.
Plumtree Chiefs have said they will only add six players to last season’s squad. Job hunting at Plumtree Chiefs are defensive midfielder Ocean Mpofu and speed merchant Qinani “Chroma” Sibanda who were offloaded by How Mine.
Plumtree Chiefs are reportedly said to be close to clinching a deal with striker Leeroy Ndlovu of Cement Siding who was at Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League club Black Boots last season.
Online Reporter