adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Hwange roving midfielder and captain, Aleck “Rico” Nyoni has challenged the local community and the entire Matabeleland North to rally behind the team so that it survives the dreaded chop.
If Chipangano, the only team from Matabeleland North that plays in the elite Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is relegated, it will be for the second time in five years.
The coalminers lie 14th on the standings with just 21 points, 17 points behind leaders Dynamos.
“These are times that the boys need us as former players and the community at large so let us all put aside our differences and rally behind the boys. These are times that they need us most, let them know that we are fully behind them at their hour of need,” said Nyoni one of the longest serving players at the Colliery whose career was cut short by former head coach Tennant Chilumba who forced him into early retirement.
He said the team, under Nation Dube and assisted by another legendary Hwange player Brian “Jah” Njobvu, have been playing so well but only to lose at the end of the day.
“At the moment we are facing relegation right in our faces, let us not lie or be under any illusion about that one. I however believe that this team will be playing top flight soccer next year but for them to do that, the entire community has to rise and cheer them on. These boys are warriors who can survive any battle,” said the former national Under-17 player.
Chipangano used to have one of the most loyal and emotional supporters who used to beat the drums from start to finish. In those old days when time was running out before the team scored, old ladies from the Lwendulu Village would start singing their war cry, Chipangano, Chipangano, Chipangano nguva yakwana and a goal was assured.
Hwange have five home and an equal number of away matches remaining. It is however their statistics that could be worrying as they have shown a lot of inconsistency at home and away.
With five away matches and judging by their record so far, Hwange are likely to lose three of their away matches, draw one and win just a single match and in the process get a paltry four points from a possible 15 points.
At home where they have won three of their five wins this season, Chipangano are likely to get two wins and three draws to give them nine points and a total of 13 points in their last 10 matches.
The call by one of the most loyal sons whose career lasted almost 13 years might see the boys going a gear up and probably improve their performance.
Their next match will be away to relegation fighting Tripple B at Dulibadzimu Stadium next weekend.
Hwange’s last 10 fixtures:
Tripple B (away), Dynamos (home), Triangle (away), Shabanie Mine (home), Chicken Inn (away), Black Mambas (home), How Mine (away), Buffaloes (home), Black Rhinos (away), Motor Action (home).
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