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ARMY sides Black Rhinos and Buffaloes have declared war this weekend as they step up in their fight for survival in the Castle Lager Premiership.
Rhinos, who remained in the relegation zone despite a surprise 3-2 away victory over CAPS United on Wednesday, will host fellow relegation candidates Hwange at Rimuka while Buffaloes welcome relegated former champions Monomotapa at Sakubva.
Rhinos assistant coach, Ndega Matsika, yesterday said his side will fight hard for the six points in their last two matches to enhance their chances of survival. Chauya Chipembere, who have been in and out of the Premiership, returned to top-flight football this season and are in real danger of being demoted again this season as they are currently fourth-from-bottom with 34 points.
Motor Action, Tripple B and Monomotapa have already been relegated and now one team will have to follow them with Rhinos, Black Mambas (35), Buffaloes (35), Shabanie Mine (37) and Hwange (38) among the strong candidates for the chop.
Matsika, however, said Rhinos will not go down without a fight if they are to be relegated.
“We are bracing ourselves for a tough battle because we know that Hwange are coming on the same mission to survive relegation,” said Matsika. If you look at the log table, it is actually us who need the points more than anyone else in this battle for survival. So it’s a do-or-die affair for us. We have to win at all costs to move out of the relegation zone.”
Rhinos will be seeking to build on their performance against CAPS United at the National sports Stadium which earned them three crucial points and brightened hopes for survival. Buffaloes coach Timothy Masachi wants his side to rediscover their formula as they have not won a game in their last seven outings.
Buffaloes are coming from three defeats in a row to Harare City, CAPS United and Hwange but Masachi yesterday said his soldiers have made a recommitment to turn things around.
“These boys have said they don’t want to play in Division One next season. So they have committed themselves to fight hard,” said Masachi.
Police side Black Mambas are also involved in the survival series and will be out to shore up their campaign with a home game against relegated Tripple B at Morris Depot tomorrow.
Fixtures: Today
Motor Action v CAPS United (Rufaro, SS9)
Sunday
Chicken Inn v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Black Mambas v Tripple B (Morris Depot) How Mine v FC Platinum (Luveve), Buffaloes v Monomotapa Utd (Sakubva), Black Rhinos v Hwange (Rimuka), Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro, SS9), Shabanie Mine v Triangle (Maglas)
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