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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
ARMY side Black Rhinos face prospects of being relegated again this season, but Chauya Chipembere have vowed to stage another great escape similar to what they did last year.Jostein Mathuthu’s men are aiming a strong finish with six games remaining as the jostling for survival gets fierce at the bottom of the table.
Ironically, Chauya Chipembere are sitting fourth from the bottom with 27 points, the same points they had at this point last season under Arthur Tutani.
But can history repeat itself?
Rhinos were one of the four teams that survived relegation on the last day following an explosive finish which saw them winning won four, drawing one and losing one of their last six league matches to finish 10th on 40 points.
Team manager Wellington Mabiginye admitted they are in a difficult position but said the army side are looking to make a strong finish.
Rhinos’ aim at the beginning of the season was a top eight finish but their campaign never got going from the beginning as they struggled for results despite having quality players like Wonder Kapinda, Lot Chiwunga, Bruce Homora, Jameson Mukombwe, Milton Kurewa and their captain Wilson Chakanyuka.
“I think our pre-season wasn’t up to scratch. We would have loved to beef up our squad with big names but, like most of the teams in the league, we were hamstrung by financial challenges.
“We are happy though and extremely grateful for the support that we get from the army who pay our salaries and to our sponsors Savannah Tobacco for the winning bonuses and other allowances.
“The boys have playing their hearts out but sometimes in football you also need a bit of lucky. Results have been eluding us especially in the first half of the season and as it stands, things are not looking very good for us.
“We have to be realistic, we are in the danger zone. We need to get at least to 40 points to make sure that we survive relegation. The feeling of playing in the league itself should be big motivation to the boys.
“So we are targeting to win three or four games in the remaining fixtures. Our performance in the second half has been very encouraging but losing our last two games was a big setback,” said Mabiginye.
Online Reporter