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Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST like the proverbial cat, Bulawayo Chiefs must have nine lives, as the Ninjas always find a way to survive relegation, especially on the last day of the season.
Bulawayo 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, the Chiefs are also in the same predicament this term.
Coincidentally, they also play the Gem Boys in their last assignment on Saturday, needing nothing short of a win to preserve their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League status.
With 36 points from 33 games, Bulawayo 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.
Bulawayo 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 get 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 Bulawayo Chiefs coach, Thulani Sibanda.
The Ninjas have been in similar circumstances before and they have managed to navigate their safety.
Just like their ability to discover, nurture, and sell players, Bulawayo Chiefs have also mastered the art of surviving on the last day.
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 Bulawayo 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, the Chiefs were already safe.
But they were not so safe in 2019 as they finished the season with 41 points, just one above relegation.
In 2018, Bulawayo Chiefs ensured safety with an away win at ZPC Kariba and ended up five points clear of the murky waters.
Nichrut, Bulawayo City, Mutare City, and Shabanie Mine were relegated that season.
However, Bulawayo Chiefs have over the years received plaudits for their ability to regenerate even after losing key players.
They lost a number of key players to Simba Bhora at the beginning of the season including Mtokhozisi Msebe, Malvin Mkolo, and Billy Veremu.
Previously, Chiefs had discovered and nurtured players like Rainsome Pavari who is now at FC Platinum as well as the Dynamos duo of Arthur “Diego” Musiyiwa and Shadreck Nyahwa.
Online Reporter