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VERY few would have mentioned ZPC Kariba among the Castle Premier Soccer League contenders when the season began in March.
However, with 35 points after 19 rounds of matches, the Saul Chaminuka-coached side are not only top of the log standings but are still to taste defeat and are now nearing Highlanders’ record 22-match unbeaten run in the 2012 season.
They are among the championship contenders despite their coach’s claims that the log leaders are fighting relegation.
So determined are ZPC Kariba that even in the face of probable defeat they never retreat and an example is their 2-2 draw against How Mine on May 24.
Chaminuka’s charges scored twice in stoppage time to salvage a point from a match they should have lost.
They have so far won eight and drawn 11 times in a spirited run that includes surprise away victories at champions Dynamos, Hwange and Chicken Inn.
Chaminuka reckons it’s all about team work.
“It all boils down to the quality of the people that I am working with. From the technical team, the administrators and the players, we have a team of dedicated individuals who know what they are doing and with wealthy knowledge in football.
“We have fostered a spirit of pursuing goals until the very end. When we started, things were very difficult but having managed to achieve what we did in the first five matches, resources have been forthcoming and the team has been left to concentrate on playing football.
“Football is not just about tactics, it’s a sport that demands a lot at an individual level, and players need to be motivated to perform at their best. The Kariba community is very supportive of us despite us playing our home matches in Harare and this has pushed us to go the extra mile,” said Chaminuka.
Chaminuka has assembled a respectable technical bench comprising assistant coach Godfrey Tamirepi, renowned goalkeepers’ trainer Tembo Chuma and the vastly experienced Partson Ndabambi, who is the team manager.
The strong technical department has been key in assembling a potent team as well as in changing strategy during games.
Underrated players that were overlooked by perennial campaigners in the league like former Black Mambas midfielder Tsepo Rantoakoane and Phillip Makanje, formerly with Triple B, have been quietly doing the job at ZPC.
Although Chaminuka would not single out individual players for special mention, goalkeeper Tendai Hove, Artwell Nyamiwa and Pride Tafirenyika have impressed in a team full of hard workers.
Meanwhile, the team’s solid performance has not gone unnoticed, with their parent company, the Zimbabwe Power Company, full of nothing but praise for the club and the executive led by chairman Munyaradzi Nduna.
“The boys have been working very hard and are determined to make it to the top. They also have a strong administrative team and a committed coach, hence the team’s success.
“The team has been performing very well and we are proud of them,” said ZPC public relations executive Fadzai Chisveto.
Chisveto disclosed that they are hoping the team will be able to relocate to Nyamhunga Stadium at the end of the month.
“Most of the work has been done on the turf, the changing rooms as well as the fencing and the perimeter wall.
“We are hoping that the stadium will be completed by the end of this month so that the supporters in Kariba and surrounding areas can also enjoy the matches,” she said.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter