adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
LAST year’s World Navi Northern Region Division One championship contenders, Mushowani Stars are set to begin their pre-season preparations this week with most of their players from last season returning to help make another crack at the promotion bid.
The Mashonaland Central-based team finished third last season and coach, Paul “Popo” Chimalizeni, who has retained most of his charges claiming that they are preparing a team that will fight for the honours this year.
Mushowani, who were among the strong contenders for the championship last year also missed out on the inaugural Yadah TV knock-out Cup when they lost to Ngezi Platinum in the final.
Chimalizeni, however, feels they have the character to withstand the heat this term and said they will be gunning for the championship, hence the idea to retain most of their players.
“We are starting our pre-season on January 15. I think we have retained almost the whole team that played last year and we are going to add three to five players to strengthen the team and fight for honours.
“What we are doing is to strengthen the departments we felt needed to be strengthened. We are looking at two defenders, one attacking midfielder, one striker and a goalkeeper. We have identified the players we want, we spoke to them but what we are waiting for is for them to start coming for training. They are willing to join the club
“At the moment I cannot divulge their names since we are not yet done in our negotiations but I think by the end of the month we should be done with everything,” said Chimalizeni.
The Mushowani Stars coach believes continuity is the key if they are to succeed in this year’s campaign.
“This will be our third year playing and we are going for the honours. These youngsters have developed, we have been together for three years and we are now sort of a family. We understand each other from the top to the bottom, so we felt that we should keep the team together,” said Chimalizeni.
Chimalizeni said they are also looking at replacing their captain Zivanai Mhanda, who is expected to leave for trials sometime next month.
Mhanda was crowned the World Navi Northern Region Division One Soccer Star of the Year and will be going for trials at Japanese side Vissel Kobe.
“As for Mhanda I understand that he is going in February and I think the preparations are at an advanced stage. So it’s another replacement we are looking at. Some teams from the Premier league have also shown interest in him. But the protocol is to go to Japan first, if he makes it then its done if not he is likely to go play in the Premier league.
“We cannot bar him from going to play in the Premier League.
He still has a contract with Mushowani but his move will also be good for the club.
He was a very much inspirational captain last year but when the time comes for him to move we will let him move,” Chimalizeni said.
Online Reporter