Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
BLACK RHINOS coach Waddington Chinyan’ana says his side will give everything against Karoi United in their final MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League match scheduled for Saturday as they seek to reclaim top spot from Harare City.
Rhinos, who led the race for much of the season, enter the decisive round with 79 points, one behind City, who face Jumbo Giants.
Chinyan’ana believes the army side still have a chance, although they must beat Karoi and hope City drop points to secure the championship and promotion to the Premier Soccer League.
“There is still hope. We are one point behind with one game remaining, so we have to keep believing and give everything against Karoi United.
“We know that winning our match might not be enough, but that is the part we can control. We must collect maximum points and see what happens in the other game.”
He acknowledged the disappointment of surrendering the advantage so late in the campaign.
“It is disappointing to find ourselves chasing after leading for so much of the season. We worked hard to put ourselves in that position, but we cannot allow that disappointment to affect our preparations.
“The players understand what is at stake. This is the final opportunity, and we have to approach it with commitment, discipline and the determination to finish strongly,”said Chinyan’ana.
Rhinos’ position represents a dramatic reversal for a side that spent much of the season setting the pace.
After 35 matches, they had 69 points, five clear of City, who had collected 64 from the same number of games. However, City maintained their pursuit and moved ahead with one round remaining.
Victory over Jumbo Giants would take City to 83 points and secure the championship, regardless of Rhinos’ result.
However, should City draw or lose, a Rhinos victory would lift the army side to 82 points and restore them to the summit.
Chinyan’ana said his players understood the importance of the occasion but needed to maintain their discipline and earn the result against Karoi.
“Karoi will have their own reasons to fight for a result. We cannot look beyond them or go into the match thinking the points are already ours. We must earn them.
“Our supporters have stood with us throughout the campaign. We owe them our best effort, and we will fight until the final whistle. As long as there is a chance, we will pursue it.”
Karoi occupy 17th place with 44 points, one above Marere and two ahead of Banket United, giving them their own incentive to finish strongly as they find themselves in the survival dogfight.
City’s opponents, Jumbo Giants, are 14th with 50 points.
Third-placed Chingwere have 76 points and can no longer catch City, leaving the championship battle between the two former Premiership sides.
