Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PAUL “POPOPO’’ CHIMALIZENI is one of the few Northern Region Soccer League coaches who can afford to sleep well during the Division’s mid-season break.Chimalizeni traded the glamour of the Premiership where he had stints with Simba Bhora and later Kwekwe United to return to the NRSL where he was named Arthur Tutani’s replacement at Agama.
And the gangly coach has not regretted the move, instead sparking a resurgence of Agama’s Premiership promotion bid that has seen them ease into second place on the log table.
Despite leading his team on a four-match unbeaten stretch, Chimalizeni has expressed cautious optimism about Agama’s progress under his stewardship. Agama, who were slowly sliding behind in the title race but have since found their way back up.
That impressive run has seen the Mt Darwin outfit rising to go level on points with favourites and log leaders N’ombeyawora on 41 points.
Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera’s N’ombeyawora now only sit at the summit, courtesy of a superior goal difference while third-placed Golden Eagles are on 36 points, a point ahead of seasoned campaigners Black Rhinos while fifth-placed Banket United are a distant 11 points behind.
Since taking charge, Chimalizeni has been impressed with his players’ adaptability to his tactical approach but insists there is still room for improvement.
“So far, so good. The guys are adjusting very well to my philosophy, but there’s still a lot to be done,” said Chimalizeni.
With the first half of the season concluded, Chimalizeni revealed plans to strengthen the squad “strategically.”
The league is currently on the mid-season break and set to resume on August 2.
“I’m looking to bring in experienced players for certain positions, not a wholesale overhaul, because the team is already good.
“I am confident in the existing core and will try to address specific gaps to sustain the challenge, already there is a lot of experience in the setup,” he said.
Having honed his craft in top-flight football, Chimalizeni believes his background gives him an advantage.
“Honestly, it’s an added advantage,” he remarked. A former coach at the now defunct Premiership side Lengthens, Chimalizeni has been around long enough to understand the see-saw battles that characterise a championship race.
He is not worried about being in second place at this stage of the face.
“We should just maintain momentum, win our games, and take it one match at a time. We’re not fixated on N’ombeyawora, we have our own targets to achieve,” he said.
