adminCurtworth Masango and Blessing Malinganiza
PREMIERSHIP coaches have embraced the season break.
Philani “Beefy” Ncube, Godfrey Tamirepi, Rodwell Dhlakama, and Mandla Mpofu were relieved from their duties during the first half of the season.
Dhlakama bounced back at ZPC Kariba.
Tonderai Ndiraya served a one-week suspension before re-emerging in the fold.
New gems have been discovered along the way.
Jayden Bakare, Walter Vuwa, and Antonio Bill are some of the names which quickly come to mind.
FC Platinum coach, Norman Mapeza, says he thinks they have gathered enough momentum for them to finish the second half strongly.
“So far so good, I can’t complain. I think we gathered momentum at the right time,” he said.
“We have to wait for the PSL to tell us when the window period starts.
“It’s very difficult to look for new players now because the majority of players have running contracts till the end of December but will look around.
“About the break, we just have to take it as it is and make sure players, who have injuries, will have some time to recover,” he said.
Black Rhinos coach, Herbert Maruwa, is also content with how his team has navigated the first round.
“I think, as a team, we did well in the first 17 games – having won six, drawn eight, and lost three to end in position sixth ahead of teams with more resources than us.
“I am happy the boys showed a lot of fighting spirit.
“It’s not easy to go seven games without tasting defeat. It shows there is a lot of good work from the boys.
“We need to add one or two players to bolster our attack. Our scoring rate is not impressive. We will give the boys a week’s break so that those injured will have time to recover,” he said.
Ndiraya believes the break is necessary, despite concerns it might break the momentum for his boys.
“It’s normally a huge challenge to get the boys to come back from the break in the right mood,’’ said Ndiraya.
“We will not have much time to rest, we have to quickly come back and start working again so that we don’t lose the rhythm.
“But, it’s a good break, we have to refresh,” he said.
Yadah coach, Genesis Mangombe, says their biggest letdown was lack of consistency.
“Our 17th game wasn’t good though we managed to have some good results along the way.
“I am not happy, I feel we didn’t have consistency along the way.
“We will try to get some players, at least, we will need four players to replace some other guys.
“A player for each department as we try to map the way forward. The reinforcements will see us able to compete and work on our weaknesses,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter