Struggling Mambas host Mighty Bulls

League match at Morris Depot.
Mambas, who survived relegation last season, are going through a difficult patch and have roped in experienced coach Moses Chunga to help turn around the fortunes.
However, results continue to evade them as they sit second from bottom with four points from nine starts. Chunga, who joined the technical team that was led by John Ncube, has seen five games since he came on board, drawing one against Monomotapa and losing four in a disappointing run.
Warumwa Warumwa’s last match ended in a 1-0 defeat at Chicken Inn,  but the two-week break should have given them time to work on their shortcomings. Ncube yesterday said Mambas will not lose their focus, despite a bad start to the season.
“We are playing well, but it’s only that we have not been scoring. We are doing everything right and getting the chances, only for our finishing.
“If you analyse the results, you would see that most of the defeats are narrow losses. We can make a difference if we score goals.”
Mambas are hoping to get better value from their good players such as Nicholas Alifandika, Kasimero Chimbadzwa, Sam Mutenheri, Convenience Hungwe, Sebastian Mutizirwa and Peter Kachirika.
Chunga and Ncube know that the team needs to start collecting points when they still have time or they could find themselves fighting hard to survive the chop again.
Ncube said he has great faith in his side, but wants the players to adopt a positive approach. He remains adamant Mambas will not end up fighting relegation.
“We cannot talk of relegation at this point because there are still many games to play. It’s up to the boys to adopt a winning mentality and we can move forward,” said Ncube.
Warumwa Warumwa currently sit second from the bottom of the table.
They are praying that two of their players Honey Chimutimunzeve and Convenience Hungwe recover in time for the weekend match.
Ncube said Motor Action are not to be taken lightly. The Mighty Bulls have a strong squad that Joey Antipas assembled with the Confederation Cup in mind.
But they have lacked consistency in their games. They dropped four points in their last two matches following a defeat to Buffaloes and a stalemate against Dynamos, to fall out of the top eight in the log standings.
However, a win on Saturday could see Motor Action making a giant step back to the top echelons.
They have 14 points to their credit after winning four, drawing two and losing three matches.
Highlanders sit on top of the table with 22 points and they have a chance to increase their lead this Sunday when they face neighbours Chicken Inn at Barbourfields.
Midfielder Simon Munawa is the only Highlanders player in the Warriors squad while Chicken Inn have goalkeeper Njabulo Nyoni and midfielder Kuda Mahachi. The players will be available for their teams as they are not likely to travel to Mozambique for the second match of the World Cup qualifiers this weekend.
Bosso are currently unbeaten in seven starts and lead the pack on 22 points, five ahead of second-placed Dynamos. DeMbare will be inactive since they have three players Takesure Chinyama, Denver Mukamba and Partson Jaure most likely to travel with the national team.
Saul Chaminuka’s Buffaloes will engage Gunners at their Sakubva home ground hoping to extend their winning streak. Buffaloes surprised everyone when they moved into third position just before the break.
The Mutare-based side have won their last four games in succession, to make up for the indifferent start.
Fixtures
Saturday: Black Mambas v Motor Action (Morris Depot), FC Platinum v Quelaton (Mandava)
Sunday: Monomotapa v Blue Rangers (Rufaro), Buffaloes v Gunners (Sakubva), Hardbody v CAPS United (Ascot), Hwange v Shabanie Mine (Colliery), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (Barbourfields)
Postponed: Dynamos v Harare City (Rufaro)