adminPaul Mundandi in ZVISHAVANE
SHABANIE Mine coach John Phiri is brimming with confidence that his side will turn the tables on hosts CAPS United in a Castle Lager Premiership match at the National Sport Stadium tomorrow.
The Harare giants are coming from a difficult week in which their players threatened to boycott training over unpaid salaries and bonuses.
But normalcy has since returned to the Green Machine camp with coach Taurai Mangwiro and his charges committing themselves to picking up the pieces from last week’s 0-3 thrashing at Chapungu.
CAPS United remain unbeaten at the National Sports Stadium this year despite their away record and they will be looking forward to continue with their rich form tomorrow.
However, Shabanie Mine coach Phiri said he wants to turn the tables on the hosts.
“I am looking forward to my first away win against CAPS United. We have prepared very well, I am confident and my players are motivated that we are going to get it right.
“We respect CAPS United but they need to know that there is no longer a small team in Zimbabwe.
“We are not worried that they have national team players in the likes of Hardlife (Zvirekwi) Tapiwa (Khumbuyani) and one of the good coaches Taurayi (Mangwiro),” said Phiri.
CAPS United management have maintained gate charges at US$3 for the cheapest ticket with supporters expected to fork out US$5 for bays 15-18 and US$10 for the VIP.
The two teams have one thing in common despite donning different colours when it comes to their kits.
Since the beginning of the season they have been in a financial crisis but Shabanie problems are far worse than CAPS United’s challenges.
By the end of the day yesterday the team leadership was still to advise the technical team on the travelling arrangements.
Shabanie will welcome goalkeeper Victor Twaliki who missed action after clashing with Tafadzwa Rusike in a league match at Maglas last month.
Allen Tavariswa is also back after serving a two-match suspension.
The asbestos miners will miss gifted midfielder Douglas Sibanda who is suspended after accumulating three yellow cards and Rodney Mware and Louis Matawu who are both injured.
“I am happy that I have Zvenyika (Makonese) because he brings experience gives the team a lot of confidence,” said Phiri.
“Twaliki is the first-choice and he is back in the team and when first team player returns to the team they get first preference.”
Shabanie have been performing well since signing Daniel Chikupe who was discarded by ZPC Kariba.
Former Monomotapa players Hamilton Masumbuko, Nelson Meson, Godknows Murwira and Zvikomborero Biseki have also been playing big roles for their team.
Phiri is yet to sign a contract.
He feels let down by members in the executive despite assembling a good side after losing more than 23 players at the beginning of the season.
Fans in the mining town have been calling for the removal of some members who have failed to cater for the players’ welfare.
Fixtures
Today
ZPC Kariba v Chapungu (Gwanzura, SS9), FC Platinum v Black Rhinos (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Chiredzi (Luveve)
Tomorrow
Hwange v Dynamos (Colliery), CAPS United v Shabanie Mine (NSS, SS9), Triangle v Highlanders (Gibbo)
Monday
Harare City v Bantu Rovers (Rufaro, SS9)
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