adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MUSHOWANI coach, Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni says they are desperate for a win going into today’s game against Twalumba at Chaminuka in Madziva to cover the gap separating them from the log leaders.
The Mashonaland Central-based side came in as one of the strong contenders at the beginning of the season, leading the race at some point in the first round, but they seem to be going through a bad patch at the moment.
Of the four games they have played in the second half they have managed to collect only five points, losing one of the matches to Ngezi Platinum 0-1 at home.
Chimalizeni said there was need to up their game as a defeat today will see them further sliding down the log tables.
“For the past two games we have not been winning. We lost and drew against Bindura and DC Academy so this week it’s a must win game but we should not underrate Twalumba.
“They haven’t been winning also so we have to be cautious.
“The gap between us and the top teams is getting wide and we need to win against Twalumba. With soccer there is pressure in all the games but the difference is on the type of pressure.
“The pressure we have now is that we need to win,” said Chimalizeni.
The Mushowani coach said their major setback has been the failure to score in most of their games.
“We have just been preparing for the game just like we are playing any other team but we need to put a gear up and work as a team. The results of late are not pleasing but as a coach I have to continue working.
“Our weakness has been conversion but we have been working on it. We have been playing a beautiful game and our system is coming up but only in front of goals that’s where we had problems.
“There are some injuries, our goalkeeper John Gwende is injured but the rest of the team is good and we have a pool of players to select from,” said Chimalizeni.
Mushowani really need to start picking points if they are still entertaining any hopes of getting promoted at the end of season.
On the other hand, Twalumba are under pressure for a win as they are currently deep in the relegation zone.
They are second from the bottom and although they have insisted that they are more into nurturing and developing talent, they need improve their game or they will find themselves plying their trade in the lower division next year.
In other matches set for this afternoon Blue Swallows hosts Bindura at Manyame looking for a win while Ngezi Platinum travels to Harare for a date against DStv Rangers.
Fixtures
Today: Karoi United v Gunners (Chikangwe), ZRP Morris v Royal Classic (Morris), Flame Lilly v Seven Flames (Chikurubi), Mushowani v Twalumba (Chaminuka/Madziva), Blue Swallows v Bindura (Manyame), Dstv Rangers v Ngezi Platinum (Old Hararians), Commando Bullets v DC Academy (Commando), Lake Harvest v Black Mambas (Chaminuka/Kariba), Chegutu Pirates v Starbill (Pfupajena).
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