adminGrace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
HARARE City, who were very active on the market and were in Nyanga for pre-season training, completed their tour over the weekend with coach Taurai Mangwiro declaring that his team is now ready for the new season as the players have bonded.
The Sunshine Boys wrapped up their two-week tour of the Eastern Highlands with two matches against Moses Chunga’s Buffaloes at Sakubva on Sunday.
Mangwiro said training camp was crucial for team building as he sought to bond old and new players ahead of the new season.
Harare City were one of the most active teams during the off-season after bringing a number of players that include Nicholas Alifandika, Honey Chimutimunzeve, Themba Ndlovu, Tendai Samanja and former Warriors goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube.
“I think we are heading in the right direction. I have seen a lot of promise in the team. There are a few areas that need to be worked on, but generally I am happy.
“This two-week training camp helped us to understand the type of players that we have, remember we are a new team.
“The technical team also got to understand the players’ personalities and how they behave outside the field of play.
“We had about five friendly games in Mutare and in my own assessment we should be ready for the season, only for a few grey areas to be worked on,” said Mangwiro.
Harare City split their teams into two against Buffaloes on Sunday and they won the first game 1-0, courtesy of a goal by Zimbabwe youth international Tino Kadewere.
The Sunshine Boys had to come from behind in the second match when Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye cancelled out veteran striker Kastigu Juwakinyu’s first half goal.
City will open the new season with two home games after being paired with newboys Tsholotsho Pirates before hosting Chicken Inn at Rufaro.
Mangwiro, however, was worried with injuries to one of his top strikers Francisco Zekumbawira who is struggling with a knee problem and James Jam who missed Sunday’s match with a backache.
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