Wenslus MurapeCurtworth Masango
Black Mambas have been hit by the exodus of key players in the past few windows as players seek greener pastures.
From losing the championship race to Chegutu Pirates last season to now becoming a bottom-half side, the club has been reduced to a bottom-half placed team.
This Saturday they will be travelling to face Karoi United at Chikangwe. Mambas are in 15th position with 21 points while Karoi are in 13th position with 23 points.
Black Mambas coach Newsome Mutema believes the exodus of players has been responsible for their slump in form, however, he points out they are working flat out to restore the confidence in the boys.
“Mambas lost the bulk of last year’s players to the Premier League and other Division One teams. This year it’s almost a new team,” said Mutema.
“We are working on the mental aspects for the players to realise that Mambas is a big team. And also trying to make work enjoyable at training and also creating competition.”
Mambas brought in some new acquisitions during the mid-season window period which have seen Mutema and his technical team spend more time trying to get the boys gel.
“Just used the window to replace players who opted for greener pastures,” he said.
“We are working on combinations, especially in attacks where the team looks thin. And also doing a lot of general team tactics and psychological training.
The club is rocked by injuries and it’s a setback ahead of their game against Karoi.
“Preparations are going well but we are rocked by injuries, Zivanai Mhanda, Tendai Chinungo, Kudakwashe Jombosi, Allen Shiri [flue], Tiago Munjanja, and Takudzwa Sarakunze.
“But we are going out for the best and looking for a positive result. Despite injuries and setbacks, we have equal ammunition,” said Mutema.
Online Reporter