adminthe two teams meet in a Zifa Northern Region Division One match at Trojan this afternoon.
The former Premiership sides will be fighting for maximum points at stake knowing that a win will enhance their chances of a return to the top-flight league.
Mwana Africa have been in great form lately and are sitting on pole position with 21 points from nine outings. Last week Mwana produced one of their best performances this season when they outclassed Cossy
Rules 3-0 in a match where they could have scored double figures.
It will be interesting to see how the teams play with Mwana boasting of the best attack in the league, having scored 17 goals, facing a Rhinos side with the best defence having conceded only three goals this season. Black Rhinos and La Liga are the only teams yet to taste defeat this season but the Mwana Africa coach is confident of ending Rhinos’ unbeaten run.
“We are prepared for Black Rhinos and we will attack from the first whistle to the last minute because we want nothing less than a win.
“We will be counting on the home advantage because we want to make sure we win all our home matches. The team have been preparing for this match the whole week and everyone is fit and raring to go,” said Sakonda.
Sakonda also acknowledged the threat posed by Rhinos and said they will need to work hard for the entire 90 minutes.
“Black Rhinos is a good side and it’s not going to be an easy task for us, the youngsters need to work hard to win the game.
“It’s going to be a real test considering that we have both played in the league before and we both want to return to the Premiership.
“However, I’m confident that we are going to walk away with the three points,” added Sakonda.
Mwana will be hoping strikers Rapheal Manuwire and Quality Kangadzi maintain their form in front of goal. Veteran midfielder Alisara Kondowe is also expected to play a big role.
Rhinos will be hoping to get back to winning ways after last week’s draw against DC Academy and coach Nesbert Saruchera knows another slip up will cost his team dearly.
“It’s going to be a tough game against Mwana and we hope to use experience to our advantage.
“We have more experienced players than them and I am sure it will work to our advantage.
“We need to win the game at all costs to keep in touch with other teams and I’m confident of positive results,” said Saruchera.
Rhinos still has experienced players in the form of Lazarus Muhoni, Lloyd Nyamadzawo, Walter Masenda and Brighton Chandisaita.
In the other matches set for today La Liga face unpredictable DC Academy at Gwanzura.
DC are currently on seventh place with 14 points and last week they held Rhinos to a 1-1 draw at One Commando.
La Liga will welcome back their combative midfielder Partson Jaure, who have been serving a two match ban, after being sent off against Dstv.
Yesterday Highfield United, who are improving with each outing, beat Eiffel Flats 1-0 in Kadoma.
Meanwhile in a sad development AMC defender in the Eastern Region, Talent Chikeya died in an accident last Saturday after the car he was travelling in burst a tyre along Beatrice road.
He was 22. He was buried on Tuesday at his rural home in Hwedza.
Fixtures:
Northern Region:
Today:
Commando v Harare City (Commando), DC Academy v La Liga (Gwanzura), Mwana Africa v Black Rhinos (Trojan), BACA v Cossy Rules (Tsungubvi), Flame Lily v Dstv Rangers (Tomlinson), Karoi v ZPC Kariba (Chikangwe).
Southern Region:
Today:
How mine v ZPC Hwange (How mine), Sao Paulo v Railstars (Vic Falls), Power Cosmos v Zambezi Lions (Hwange), Ntabazinduna v Kujatana (Ntabazinduna), Makokoba v New West (Rayton),
Tomorrow:
Bantu Rovers v Makhandeni Pirates (Hartsfield), Black Boots v Hwange Juniors (Fare Bridge), Quelaton v Mphumalanga (Luveve).
Eastern Region:
Today:
AMC v Mwenezana (Rudhaka), Ruwa v Triangle (Ruwa), Tenax v Renco mine (Sakubva), Don Bosco v Gaza Gunners (Mucheke)
Tomorrow:
Hippo Valley v ZRP Masvingo (Chishamiso), Buffaloes v Chiredzi City Stars (Sakubva), Acturus v Murambinda Pirates (Acturus)
Central Region:
Today:
McInn v F/Thompson (Phelandaba), Lancashire Steel v Chrome Stars (Bagdad), Zisco Steel v Blanket mine (Torwood), Tongogara v TM Eagles (Amaveni), Chapungu v Tripple B (Ascot)
Tomorrow:
Silo United v Shurugwi (Mbizo), Rutendo Stars v Gweru Pirates (Rutendo).
Online Reporter