Andrew
Langton Nyakwenda
THE start-stop scenario be-devilling the Premier Soccer League has affected players mentally and physically, a top-flight coach has said.
Bulawayo Chiefs’ expatriate coach, Nilton Terroso, is worried about his players’ competitiveness ahead of the league clash against defending champions FC Platinum at Luveve on Sunday.
The Bulawayo Chiefs-FC Platinum match is one of the three matches that will be played on Sunday, to conclude the rescheduled fixtures for Week Three, which begin on Friday.
Dynamos host Cranborne Bullets, while Highlanders play Manica Diamonds in Mutare on Sunday.
The PSL has been forced to operate in start-stop fashion, as a number of games have in recent weeks been postponed due to rising Covid-19 cases amongst players and officials.
And, Bulawayo Chiefs gaffer, Terroso, feels this could have a detrimental effect on his charges.
“In terms of match preparation it is detrimental because there is no way that we can ensure progressive improvement through training, simply because we are not able to train,” said Terroso.
“We have not been able to train for various days, which has a very significant impact on players both mentally and physically. This will, of course, have a negative effect on our performance,” the gaffer told The Sunday Mail Sport Thursday morning.
He added:
“The start-stop scenario to our competitive fixtures is difficult for any team, and ours is no different.
“I believe all athletes thrive upon the competitive environment and wanting to win. Our players are no different.”
On the flip side, the gaffer thinks health and safety of players is also important.
“However, in my opinion, the health and safety of all players and staff must always come first, regardless of any other situation.”
Bulawayo Chiefs and FC Platinum are meeting for the fourth time in the league since 2018 when Amakhosi made the Premiership debut.
They have two wins apiece.
Their last league encounter ended in a 1-0 win for Bulawayo Chiefs at Mandava on November 2, 2011.
FC Platinum have won two of their opening matches against Tenax and Chicken Inn, while Chiefs have four points from a win against Triangle and a draw against Cranborne Bullets.
FIXTURES
Friday
Harare City v Yadah (NSS)
Saturday
Chicken Inn v Tenax (Luveve); Black Rhinos v CAPS United (NSS); Whawha v Bulawayo City (Ascot); ZPC Kariba v Triangle (Nyamhunga)
Sunday
Manica Diamonds v Highlanders (Sakubva); Dynamos v Cranborne Bullets (NSS); Bulawayo Chiefs v FC Platinum (Luveve)
Online Reporter