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Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
BLACK Rhinos coach Nesbert “Yabo” Saruchera says he is ready to face any opponent in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League despite his team facing some of the most challenging fixture.
The army side will face Scottland in one of the major highlights of the weekend fixture at Rufaro. Saruchera has managed to grind results in his last two fixtures getting the better of Agama and Herentals Under-20 by identical 1-0 margins.
“I think we are more than ready for the upcoming fixture against Scottland and we are happy that we will be welcoming back some of our players who were out injured,” Saruchera said.
“We will have probably one of our best squads, as everyone is ready for selection.
“I am happy with the fixtures as you cannot run away from them as you will face every team in one way or the other.
“The region is competitive and I am happy that we have managed to win our past two games, which gives us confidence against such big matches,” said Saruchera.
Saruchera, who has also previously led Flame Lily and Cranborne Bullets insisted that he has no qualms with match officials, despite being fined for the skirmishes that resulted in an assault on referee in Rhinos’ game against Cee Cee Lee Mhangura.
Rhinos believe that the ZIFA Referees Committee should make it standard practice to have their top referees officiating at high-profile matches such the two game that are on today pitting Scottland against Rhinos at Rufaro (3pm) and the midday kick-off involving Herentals and MWOS at Mkushi Academy grounds (12 noon).
“I cannot complain about match officials as they are human and will be doing their job.
“In the past I have never seen any challenges as they have been doing a good job and we cannot undermine them in any way.
“The team is doing well and we will not take anything against our opponents but we are looking forward to a positive result,” added Saruchera.
Scottland coach William Nyasulu is bracing for a tough challenge from the log leaders.
“We are not taking any chances as these are the games we need to win at all costs.
“We have been training hard and our form has been good so we are looking forward to a win.
“We have a competitive squad that is aiming to get promoted to the top-flight so we need maximum points. We will take the game seriously and make sure that we get a positive result,” said Nyasulu.
MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa emphasised the need for his charges to win on the road and go on the mid-season break on a high.
“”It’s another tough match, another tough match and being the last game of the first half of the season, every coach would like to end up on a high note and we know that Herentals will not be easy prey.
“Last season we drew at home and lost 1-0 away to them and we would want to turn the tide, we have trained very well and we are geared up for the game will want to fight for the three points.
“If we want to entertain hopes of the title, these are the kind of games we need to win,” Mutasa said.
Herentals Under-20 coach Steven Mudawepi reckoned that such matches like today’s top of the table clash provide a “good platform for the players to market themselves to be promoted to the senior team (in the PSL).
“There is no secret in upsetting the so-called big teams but the players see an opportunity to market themselves to be promoted to the senior team.
“We approach every game the same way but the players will be motivated to play before huge crowds and shine.
“We are looking forward to a good result and it will be a competitive match as MWOS have been doing very judging by their position on the log-standings.
“The players are ready and looking forward to a competitive game,” said Mudawepi.
Meanwhile nomadic coach Newsome Mutema has joined Black Mambas as head coach, as the police outfit seek to revive their fortunes. It will be Mutema’s second stint with the police outfit and his first assignment will be against equally struggling Ngezi Platinum Under-19 side tomorrow.
Mambas are a distant 14th position and Mutema will have a huge task ahead of him.
Online Reporter