Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganizaand Cutworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MWOS will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to Baobab for a Castle Lager Premiership football match against Ngezi Platinum Stars tomorrow.
The visitors head into the encounter seeking a positive response after suffering a defeat to Herentals before being held to a goalless draw by Hardrock, with the results slowing the Punters’ momentum.
In a championship march that has been riveting since Match-day One and has seen CAPS United being toppled from the appex, MWOS’ coach Lloyd Mutasa is experienced enough to know the value of staying in touch with the leading pack.
Despite the setbacks, defender Valentine Katsande remains confident that MWOS can secure a positive result against one of the league’s in-form sides.
“We know it won’t be an easy match because Ngezi are a very good team, especially when they are playing at home, but we are going there believing in ourselves,” said Katsande.
“The last two results were disappointing for us because we always want to win games. We have looked at where we fell short and worked hard at training to correct those mistakes.”
The defender believes MWOS have shown enough quality this season to compete against any opponent and insists the squad remains focused on getting back to winning ways.
“As players, we know the importance of this game. We need to respond positively and start collecting maximum points again.
“The mood in the camp is good and everyone is determined to put in a strong performance.
“We have been creating chances and playing some good football, but now it is about turning those performances into results. If we remain disciplined and take our opportunities, I believe we can come away with something from the match,’’ added Katsande.
MWOS will, however, face a Ngezi Platinum side equally eager to bounce back.
The Mhondoro miners were handed their first defeat of the season when falling 2-1 to Dynamos at Rufaro.
It had been a fairy-tale start to the season for Ngezi, going on a 14-match unbeaten run that showed so much resilience for a team that had to rebuild from their youth structures after being handed a FIFA transfer ban, shortly after witnessing a player exodus.
Katsande expects a motivated Ngezi side, but believes MWOS must focus on their own performance.
“They will also be looking to recover from their defeat, so we are expecting a tough battle. Matches like these are decided by small details and we have to make sure we are fully concentrated from the first whistle to the last,” Katsande said.
Cameroon ‘keeper Nfor seeks to repay DeMbare
As Dynamos head to Mutare for a date against Manica Diamonds, goalkeeper Idrissou Nfor says he is determined to help the Glamour Boys maintain their momentum and challenge for the title.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper is expected to play a key role when Dynamos travel to Sakubva against Manica Diamonds on Sunday.
Nfor, who joined Dynamos this season, endured a frustrating start to life in Zimbabwe after suffering a serious facial injury that sidelined him for a lengthy period and forced him to wear a protective mask upon his return. Reflecting on the setback, the goalkeeper admitted it was one of the toughest experiences he has faced in football.
“I think my injury was one of the worst moments of my life. It was not easy because it was my first time experiencing such a situation,” said Idrissou.
“You come to a country that is not your home and immediately you get injured. It was very difficult for me. But football is part of life. Sometimes things happen that you do not expect.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa