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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO FC have conceded that they are feeling the heat of playing their home matches away from home. Iziqholo ZeZhwane use White City Stadium as their home ground but train at Tsholotsho Business Centre and only come to Bulawayo for matches.
Life also changed for the worst when the team stopped some training sessions in Bulawayo after a fire razed club owner Mandla Manyathela’s supermarket in Tsholotsho.
Speaking after a 0-2 loss to Caps United at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday, coach Lizwe Sweswe said they were now feeling the heat of playing away from home.
“I think that (not having a stadium) is also contributing to some of these losses. There are certain factors that are beyond my control which unfortunately we have to live with,” said Sweswe.
Tsholotsho are yet to register a win in Bulawayo but have posted some memorable results on the road, including their maiden game against Harare City where they won 1-0. They also held champions Dynamos to a 0-0 on Africa Day.
However, Tsholotsho also need to go to the market when the second transfer window opens because failure to do so could spell disaster come end of season.
They need experienced players in all departments as the boys have sometimes been too elaborate at the expense of victory.
Sicelo Dube, chairperson of the Tsholotsho Stadium construction committee and club elder, revealed that they might need to beef up their squad.
“I think during the midseason we really need to bring in one or two experienced guys,” he said.
The loss to Caps United saw Tsholotsho remain firmly rooted in the relegation zone, lying fourth from bottom with 10 points.
Perhaps some players also need to self introspect. For a player like striker Kudzanai Machazane’s calibre to go 12 matches without scoring is unacceptable and a cause for concern.
Some players seem relaxed that their position in the team is a right but once the club ropes in more seasoned players, that attitude will change.
Reports say veteran Innocent Mapuranga, whose contract with Highlanders runs out at the end of this month, could become a Zhwane player as early as July 1. Also set to join them is another Highlanders player Simba Sithole, who has seen little action at Bosso.
Online Reporter