adminPeter Phiri Sports Correspondent
WESTERN Panthers coach George ‘‘Rollo’’ Mukorera is rallying his charges to up the tempo and increase their endurance when the Lion Lager National Rugby League resumes next week. The Bulawayo-based club had a dream start to the season, producing some breathtaking rugby which saw them chalking up some important victories.
Mukorera has however warned his players not to rest on their laurels but to continue from where they left off and go a gear up since they are aiming for second position and play in the semi-finals.
At the moment the team is perched on third position but it is complacency which Mukorera is worried about especially with two big games coming up against Old Hararians and later Harare Sports Club when the league resumes.
‘‘So far the team has done extremely well and when the season started nobody gave us a chance but here we are.
“The boys have passed the test but very tough games await us. If only we can increase the tempo and work on endurance. So it is up to the players to show a lot of character by maintaining the momentum.
“Second position finish is fine because it can accord us a home semi-final. There is however a lot of work to be done before we start thinking of playing in the semi-finals,’’ said Mukorera.
Former Sables player Victor Olonga is helping the team with conditioning especially on aspects of fitness where the team has been found wanting during some games.
Oga Mathaba, who is back in the country from Australia, is working with the backline while Mukorera concentrates on the forwards to produce a winning formula.
‘‘Olonga is helping the boys with some conditioning since we have been found wanting in terms of endurance. Mathaba will be taking the backline through their paces while I concentrate on the forwards. The idea is to produce a team that plays expansive rugby. We want to get to a certain level where our game plan can be effective and destructive to the opposition,’’ said Mukorera.
The second round of games according to Mukorera is going to be tough with teams heading towards the finishing line.
‘‘There will be a lot of intriguing games during the second round and it is not going to be easy for us. We have to come with new ideas and work on those grey areas so that we will not be caught napping,’’ said Mukorera.
Online Reporter