Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira [email protected]
Chiefs coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe says they are taking their pre-season friendly matches seriously as they aim to make a quick return to the top-flight league by winning the Zifa Southern Region Division One League.
Chiefs have been involved in a series of friendly matches, including last week when they faced Gwanda Pirates at Pelandaba Stadium. The match ended 0-0. They are on the road again this weekend as they face Dulibadzimu United at Ronnie’s Arena tomorrow afternoon.
Chiefs coach Jongwe, said the team is treating these friendlies with the utmost seriousness. “So far, so good. We go into every game preparing to win. In football, there are three results: either you win, draw or lose. The result last week was not one we would have wanted, but the boys gave it their all, even though we didn’t get a result. I think we have to build on the performance from last week and aim to improve. I believe it was also a wake-up call to the boys that in Division One, there are no easy teams,” said Jongwe.
Jongwe says his charges are showing the fight needed to gun for the title.
“The boys are fighting and working hard. The result last week was just a wake-up call for the team. Every game in pre-season is as important as every game during the season, so we are taking the games seriously. The friendly games are no less important than the league games. We treat every friendly game like it’s a league game. Let the fans come and enjoy the game in Beitbridge,” said Jongwe.
Chiefs are entering a new era following their relegation from the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League last year. Key players including Lucky Ndlela, Migoz Svinurayi and Mduduzi Maseko are among those who have been let go as Chiefs aim to make a fresh start. Only nine players from the previous season’s squad have been retained ahead of the new campaign.
The released players include: Sibusiso Ndlovu, Ciphas Musikavanhu, Mduduzi Maseko, Leroy Ndlovu, Benjamin Addotey, Tarirai Chikwende, Clement Makamba, Prosper Matutu (GK), Nkosilathi Ncube, Lucky Ndlela, Tadiwa Muchenje, Robert Kwaramba, Brian Chizondo, Prince Phiri (GK), Reason Sibanda, Thembelani Sibanda and Migoz Svinurayi.
Chiefs have been active in the transfer market, securing several key signings. Leading the charge are experienced players who are set to make an immediate impact. Midfielder Kelvin Madzongwe joins the club from Zebra Revolution, while Malvin Mkolo and Arthur Musiyiwa arrive from Simba Bhora and Dynamos, respectively. Both Mkolo and Musiyiwa, who previously struggled for regular game time, will be eager to prove their worth at Amakhosi Amahle.
Another key addition is goalkeeper Matripples Muleya, who joins from TelOne. Defenders Polite Mwenda and Gabriel Dlodlo also make the move to Bulawayo Chiefs from Arenel, further strengthening the defence.
In a promising development, the club has also signed forward Tatenda Ushe, who impressed last season by scoring 15 goals in the Zifa Southern Region Division One league.
The team has also bolstered their squad with the signing of Crispen Machisi from Arenel Movers.-@innocentskizoe
