Mighty Bulls take aim at Masvingo

Soccer League amid strong challenge from the chasing pack.
The Mighty Bulls will host poor travellers Masvingo United at the Motor Action Sports Club today.

Despite the Premiership programme being overshadowed by the high-profile Harare derby between CAPS United and Dynamos, there will be plenty of action in the top-flight across the country today.
Motor Action’s grip on pole position has found a new challenge in the form of Premiership newboys FC Platinum, who moved into second place last week, after grinding out a crucial 1-0 away win over Hwange at the Colliery.

It was the Platinum miners’ third victory on the trot and while the glamour club has been winning consecutively, the Mighty Bulls have dropped important points along the way.
Veteran Motor Action goalkeeper Marlon Jani is aware that the other teams are breathing heavily on their necks and wants them to get back to winning ways against Masvingo.
“We know that the other teams are now trying to catch up with us.

“Of course, pressure is building up, as we are the champions but we have to win again so that at least we finish the first half of the season on top,” said Jani.
The Mighty Bulls were held to a 2-2 draw by Kiglon in their last game but their captain Jani said the one point gained was still welcomed.
“The good thing is that we did not lose but we managed to get a point.
“We were supposed to win that game, however, we are fighting to maintain the top spot,” said Jani.

FC Platinum will host unpredictable Kiglon at Mandava today hoping to continue with their fine form and also wishing for a Mighty Bulls slip-up.
The Zvishavane side have since recruited seasoned coach Rahman Gumbo who has won championships in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana.
Yesterday, FC Platinum held an official welcome party for Gumbo in Zvishavane.

Gumbo has immediately endeared himself with the FC Platinum fans after posting two wins in as many games in charge with his first assignment being against his former team Highlanders.
Motor Action and FC Platinum are level on 26 points from 13 games but the Mighty Bulls have a superior goal difference.
Joey Antipas’ men, who need to find the kind of consistency that saw them beat Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders, are still waiting for the recovery of key players Edward Tembo, Isaac Masame and Ocean Mushure.

But their opponents Masvingo have been poor travellers this season and will be seeking to turn around their fortunes away from their Mucheke fortress.
Luke Masomere’s men have suffered heavy defeats in all their visits to Harare after going down 5-1 to Dynamos, 3-0 to Black Mambas and 4-1 to CAPS United.

Bulawayo giants Highlanders are also involved in a cagey affair when they host Tennant Chilumba’s improving Hwange outfit at Barbourfields.
Bosso boosted their morale with a 3-0 demolition of Zimbabwe Saints last week to end a poor run of two successive defeats in the run up to the Bulawayo derby.

In other matches today Gunners, who got a psychological boost following the return of head coach Darlington Dodo from Botswana, face newboys Blue Ribbon at Gwanzura.
Gunners assistant coach George Madira, who had been holding the fort in the absence of Dodo, believes they will get a positive result against an unpredictable Blue Ribbon who are still buoyed by their 2-1 win over Dynamos.

Gunners lost 1-0 to Shooting Stars at Sakubva on Wednesday and Madira was left complaining over the bumpy pitch.
“The pitch was bumpy and it made our life difficult because we play a passing game.

“It came as no surprise that we got an injury to Charles Makuruva in the first 20 minutes and we were forced to change our game plan.
“For now he is doubtful for this game because of the injury.
“But at Gwanzura we hope to continue with our fine passing game and we are used to the field,” said Madira.

Fixtures
Today:
Zimbabwe Saints v Shootings Stars (White City), Black Mambas v Shabanie Mine (Morris Deport), Motor Action v Masvingo United (Motor Action), Blue Ribbon v Gunners (Gwanzura), Chicken Inn v Monomotapa (Luveve), FC Platinum v Kiglon (Maglas)
Tomorrow:
CAPS United v Dynamos (National Sports Stadium), Highlanders v Hwange (Barbourfields).