adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
CHEGUTU Pirates hosts Royal Classic in a bottom-of-the-table clash this afternoon at Pfupajena in what is likely to be a close contest with both teams desperate for maximum points in the World Navi Northen Region Division One soccer league.
Chegutu are one place above Royal Classic who are anchoring the table and the situation is not looking good for the two teams.
Pirates coach, Gipter Raiva, said they were desperate for a win and will maintain the team that played in Kariba last week against Lake Harvest.
“Even though we are playing Royal Classic, we are taking this game like any other game, it doesn’t matter that we are all in the relegation zone.
“The team we took to Kariba played very well, it’s just bad lucky that we are not getting results. So we are starting off with the team that played in Kariba.
“We want the supporters to see that we have a direction. Like I said last time we need to start winning and we definitely need the three points,” said Raiva.
Raiva, however, said it’s going to be a tough match since both teams were in need of a positive result today.
“This one is like a Cup final because those guys (Royal Classic) want to survive relegation just like us so it’s going to be a tough encounter.
“We are not scoring at the moment, but we have a good defence, so the best way to defend is to attack. Our defenders are always busy because the strikers are not scoring.
“Basically looking at this game we have chances of scoring,” said Raiva.
Chegutu Pirates are yet to win a match at home and this has left supporters puzzled with some claiming that the ground is cursed.
Their opponents Royal Classic recently appointed Terrence Mhiripiri as their coach and this will be his second game in charge.
“Tomorrow (today) it will be a tough match because they have been struggling while on the other hand we have also been struggling and we are hoping to win,” said Mhiripiri.
“The team has youngsters and need some experience so we have Andrew Sande coming back.
“There is Thulani Masunda, he had stopped playing but I asked him to come back.
“We used to play together at Flame Lilly before he moved to Surrey and this year he had work commitments.
“I think those two additions will change the team.
“Last week we conceded soft goals but with the coming in of these experienced players I think we will be okay.
“We have Andrew on the attack and Thulani on the defence. I will be banking on those guys.
“The team plays well but needed some experience and we are still looking for at least four more players. We will be okay.”
Mhiripiri will be assisted by club director, Ranganai Chatura, who is also the team manager.
Online Reporter