MURAPE READY FOR NEW SEASON

Curtworth Masango

ZPC KARIBA forward Leeroy Murape says they are looking forward to a positive start to their 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign. 

The league gets underway this weekend with ZPC Kariba hosting TelOne, who are returning to the Premiership as Central Region champions, on match day one

TelOne are having a second bite of the cherry after they were relegated in 2019.

ZPC Kariba are set to travel to Chegutu Pirates for their second game before they host champions Ngezi Platinum Stars the following week.

Newton ‘Taundi’ Chitewe is set to lead the Kariba-based team from the dugout.

Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, Murape said: “We would obviously want to start positively and avoid being involved in the relegation battle like last season. So we have to start on a high note and collect as many maximum points as possible.

“It requires us to concentrate and try to create as many chances as we can. All teams will be looking to start strongly, hence the need to put more work in our game.”

Having survived relegation on the final day last season, the ZPC Kariba camp also realised the need to prepare adequately. 

“The preparations are going very well. The new players are also settling in well and everyone is working very hard, so hopefully we carry that into the league games as well.

“I would like to see the team perform well and get the desired results through teamwork.

“Personally I would want to score more goals and provide a lot of assists. As a winger it’s always important to add numbers to my game and see where it will take me to.

“Our pre-season has gone well and I see us avoiding the relegation battle from day one. There is a high sense of discipline and I hope we maintain that throughout the season.”