Andrew
Online Reporter
FAR away from the limelight, Gareth Madhake has been carving a name for himself.
The 25-year-old Black Rhinos centre-back has achieved a feat that few players have come close to doing this season.
Madhake has featured in all the 33 league matches for ‘Chauya Chipembere’.
So outstanding has been Madhake that the former Harare City star is now a subject of discussion amongst several Castle Lager Premier Soccer coaches.
Highlanders are reportedly interested in the services of Madhake, who is also being tipped by some to make it onto the Soccer Star of the Year calendar.
Alongside Eli Ilunga, who has scored nine goals for Black Rhinos, Madhake has been key for the army side, who enter the last week of the season needing a victory to cement their chances for a top eight finish.
Chauya Chipembere are ninth on the log standings with 45 points, one behind Bulawayo Chiefs who occupy eighth position.
They host Bulawayo City at Vengere Stadium on Saturday.
“I have a stubborn faith and I believe we will win our last match and finish in the top eight,” Madhake told The Sunday Mail Online.
Black Rhinos are winless in their last three matches.
They lost 3-2 against Whawha at Ascot last weekend.
Madhake thinks it has not been a bad season for Black Rhinos, who reshuffled their technical team midway through the campaign.
Club legend, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, replaced Herbert Maruwa at the end of July.
Mtizwa has presided over 11 games since taking over from Maruwa.
He has three wins, five draws and three losses.
“For the team, the season was not that bad, although we would have wanted to finish higher up.
“But in football you do not always get the result you want,” says Madhake.
Should he start against Bulawayo City on Saturday, Madhake will achieve a rare milestone of featuring in all the 34 league games.
“I would like to thank God for the opportunity to play all the games without picking up an injury.
“As an individual I am happy with my performance,” he said.
Week 34 fixtures
Saturday
ZPC Kariba v Herentals (Nyamhunga), Black Rhinos v Bulawayo City (Vengere), FC Platinum v Cranborne Bullets (Mandava), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Whawha (Baobab), Chicken Inn v Triangle (Luveve), Harare City v Highlanders (National Sports Stadium)
Sunday
Tenax v Manica Diamonds (Sakubva), Bulawayo Chiefs v Yadah (Luveve), Dynamos v CAPS United (National Sports Stadium)
Online Reporter