Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CASTLE Lager Premiership leaders Scottland go into battle this afternoon targeting a seventh straight win and to maintain their momentum when they host bottom side Manica Diamonds at Rufaro.
Scottland have scored 13 goals and conceded none during a six-match winning run that put them five points clear at the top.
That gap has also given them some breathing space in the case of a slip-up.
But Mabviravira are not keen on taking the foot off the pedal.
Team manager Peter Ndlovu said the champions were not going to tinker with their winning formula.
The legendary former Zimbabwe captain said the Mabvuku outfit would not be exerting any pressure on themselves.
We are just playing football without any pressure,” Ndlovu told the club’s media.
“Maintenance (of the top spot); that’s where the pressure is. If you don’t keep it going, and you lose sight, you go down very fast.”
Their fine run has not gone unnoticed by club president Pedzai “Scott’’ Sakupwanya, who recently unveiled US$10 000 bonuses for the team after they finished the first half of the campaign at the top of the table.
With more incentives reportedly on the table, the champions will be highly motivated to press home their advantage.
Victory over Manica Diamonds could see Scottland stretch their lead to eight points, with closest challengers Hardrock only in action tomorrow in a tricky away fixture against Chicken Inn at Luveve.
Ndlovu insisted that Mabviravira, who later this year will make their bow in the CAF Champions League, will take it one game at a time.
With a squad rich in depth and experience led by former national team captain Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat and the influence of foreign players such as Moses Shidolo, Mahomad Issaka and Kwakhe Thwala, Mabviravira have a solid unit.
They have had the luxury of warming the bench with star players who include Emmanuel Ziocha, former Orlando Pirates man Terrence Dzvukamanja, Kingsley Mureremba, Tymon Machope, and youth sensation Takudzwa Chakuchichi.
Yet the Mabvuku side has been unstoppable in the last few weeks and looks set to dominate for some time to come.
Ndlovu hinted that the large player pool will become even more critical in the second half of the campaign, with Scottland set to compete on multiple fronts, including the CAF Champions League, Chibuku Super Cup, and Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
“I think the coach, as professional as he is, also has to keep the momentum and try to keep the team up there,” said Ndlovu.
“Of course, here and there, there will be injuries and everything, and he will start introducing others that have not played.
“But if it’s not damaged, why change it? At the end of the day, we have an obligation to keep the team up there and maintain the momentum.
“Those that have not played their time will come, slowly but surely.”
Manica Diamonds, now on their fourth coach this season, have endured a torrid two years and currently sit second from bottom on the log with just 13 points from 19 matches.
In a bid to arrest the slide, the Gem Boys this week appointed former Dynamos and TelOne coach Herbert Maruwa as their new head coach after parting ways with interim mentor, Patrick Mandizha.
Maruwa is the fourth man after Tafadzwa Mashiri, Klifton Kadurira and Mandizha to take charge of the dressing room.
The Gem Boys head into today’s match with a makeshift technical bench, as Maruwa was only expected to formally assume duty on Monday, according to club chairman Tinashe Chipunza.
“We have appointed Maruwa because we know his pedigree as a PSL coach and that he helped TelOne survive relegation last year.
“So, he is not new to such situations.
“We have also given him the leeway to bring his own assistants and have wanted him to start immediately. Unfortunately, chances are high he may not be available for the Scottland game,” said Chipunza.
Manica Diamonds last won a league match on May 16 when they beat fellow relegation candidates TelOne 2-1.
The victory coincided with the period the new executive came in.
But they went on to draw four and lose two.
Maruwa, who was also on the radar of fellow relegation fighters Triangle, has since embraced the Gem Boys’ challenge.
The ex-Black Rhinos gaffer has been unattached since his departure from TelOne last month.
Maruwa has about 14 games to work his magic.
“It is a big challenge, but it’s attainable,” said Maruwa.
“It only means we have to work extra hard to survive relegation.
“My plea to the Manica Diamonds family is that everyone has to rally behind the team. It’s not going to be easy; it needs more effort.”
Fixtures:
Today: Scottland v Manica Diamonds (Rufaro)
Tomorrow: Simba Bhora v TelOne (Wadzanai), Chicken Inn v Hardrock (Luveve), ZPC Kariba v Ngezi Platinum Stars (Nyamhunga), FC Platinum Stars v FC Hunters (Mandava), MWOS v Highlanders (Ngoni), CAPS United v Triangle (Rufaro)
Sunday: AGAMA v Herentals (Wadzanai), Dynamos v Bulawayo Chiefs (Rufaro)
