daniel chigunwe
Langton Nyakwenda
JUST like the proverbial cat, Bulawayo Chiefs must have nine lives.
The Ninjas always find a way to survive relegation, especially on the last day of the season.
Chiefs have dabbled with relegation in almost every season since their debut in 2018.
Just like last season, when they needed a point against Manica Diamonds to survive the chop on the last day, Chiefs are also in the same predicament this time.
Coincidentally, they also play the Gem Boys in their last assignment on Saturday.
With 36 points from 33 games, Chiefs are just a point above Bikita Minerals and Hwange who occupy the other two relegation slots.
Interestingly, Bikita Minerals and Hwange clash at Wadzanai in Shamva on Saturday.
Arenel Movers and Chegutu Pirates have already been relegated.
Chiefs might join them if they fail to win against Manica Diamonds.
But, the Ninjas can still survive with a draw, provided the match between Bikita Minerals and Hwange also fails to produce a winner, because the Bulawayo side have a superior goal advantage over their competitors.
“We are preparing well, we just have to manage the pressure.
“We should not panic,” says Chiefs coach, Thulani Sibanda.
The Ninjas have been in similar circumstances before and they have managed to navigate their safety.
Last season they drew 2-2 against Manica Diamonds at Luveve in their last match and finished two points above relegation.
Black Rhinos, Triangle United, Sheasham and Cranborne Bullets were relegated.
The 2021/2022 season was a bit fruitful for Chiefs who won the Chibuku Super Cup and finished seventh on the log.
By the time they beat Yadah 2-0 on the last day, Chiefs were already safe.
But they were not so safe in 2019 as they finished the season with 41 points, just one above relegation.
Online Reporter