Online ReporterTadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLACK Rhinos goalkeeper Richard Chiminga said the soldiers picked up valuable lessons last season, which could be handy in their promotion quest this year.
Chauya Chipembere, on 27 points, are a place and a point behind MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League leaders Harare City after 15 games.
They have been fighting tooth and nail to win the NRSL and get back to the Premier Soccer League over the past three years, but to no avail.
The stiff competition in the country’s best Division One League has not helped Rhinos’ cause either, with such teams as the Golden Eagles and Harare City often having a huge say in the title race.
But Chiminga believes the Zimbabwe National Army team have now gathered enough experience to finally shake all the competition from their rivals and pick the sole ticket to the top-flight.
Chiminga has especially been outstanding after keeping 10 clean sheets in 15 games.
“I think it’s never about me alone,” Chiminga said.
“We have the best defence in the NRSL right now.
“We have conceded only six goals this season, the least in the league, and that’s a positive for a team looking to get promotion.
“I think it’s a team effort, not me alone. The ultimate goal for us is to get the ticket to the Premier Soccer League.
“I believe over the years we have been falling short because we lacked the polish. We now have the requisite experience, and the personnel we have right now is good.
“Look, we have players like Wellington Taderera and Tinotenda Chiunye, among others who have seen it all at the highest level.
“That gives us some wings, and we can fly.”
Black Rhinos coach Weddington Chinyan’anya said; “I am really happy with the way my players are performing, but we mustn’t be carried away. Chiminga is a good goalkeeper, and I am really happy for him.”
Black Rhinos face Chingwere tomorrow to open the action for the weekend.
NRSL Fixtures
Tomorrow: CP Chemicals v Chingwere (Conway College), Black Rhinos v Black Mambas (Commando)
Saturday: Banket United v FC Oden (Kuwadzana)
Jumbo Giants v MWOS U19 (Jumbo Mine)
Chegutu Pirates v Harare City (Pfupajena)
Zambezi G & C v Marere (Centenary)
Cranborne Bullets v Shamva Mine (Commando)
Karoi United v Batanai (Chikangwe)
Rangers v Highrange (Chinhoyi)
Golden Eagles v G & T Mining (Ellis Robins)
Sunday: Ngezi Platinum Stars U19 v PAM (Baobab)
