adminLiberty Dube Sports Correspondent
CASTLE Premier Soccer League outfit Buffaloes Football Club faces a mammoth but attainable task to regain fans’ confidence when they host Harare City in a potentially explosive league match at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday. The army side is still smarting from a 0-1 home defeat at the hands of Harare giants Dynamos a fortnight ago, and a win this Sunday is paramount if the army side is to have any realistic chance of getting into the top eight.
Buffaloes have 33 points, while Harare City have 34 points. Watungwa Watungwa, as Buffaloes are affectionately known, last collected maximum points a month ago against Triangle.
Chunga’s men can’t afford to lose again, despite their lethargic performance of late. They need to rise to the occasion and garner maximum points against the red-hot citizens who are coming from a 3-0 thrashing of Bulawayo giants Highlanders in the semi-finals of Chibuku Super Cup last Sunday.
Goals from Francisco Zekumbawire, William Manondo and Martin Vengesai ensured victory for the rejuvenated side led by Masimba Dinyero.
The army side is not firing from all cylinders and the absence of the influential duo of Kelvin Thembani and Roy “Apama” Mwenga will be a major setback. The pair is suspended after acquiring three yellow cards in their previous games.
Bambo, in an interview on the sidelines of the team’s Wednesday training session at Mutare Show Grounds, said they were adapting to the unfortunate development (the duo’s absence) and would make use of available players.
He said Sunday’s game would not place them under pressure because he was used to pressure which comes with such matches.
“I have endured a lot of pressure all my life. I have pressure to please my fans, the executive, my family and everyone,” said the former Chiredzi, Gunners, Caps United and Dynamos gaffer.
“We will have to adjust and deal with what we have. We are training well and we have no injury woes. We are ready for the match. Our chances are as good as anyone else’s and we will fight until the final whistle,” he said.
Responding to fans’ pathetic turnout at the stadium during most of Buffaloes matches throughout the season, Chunga said local supporters have a “colonial mentality” over local football.
He said people in Mutare were more conversant and emotionally involved to European soccer while shunning their local teams.
“People buy replica jerseys for Liverpool, Chelsea and other European teams, but they shun donning their local football teams. It is quite unfortunate. We need support especially at this time of the league,” he said.
The match starts at 3pm.
Buffaloes FC secretary Arnold Gatsi urged soccer lovers from across Manicaland Province and beyond to come and support the local team.
He said the VIP entrants would part with $5, while tickets for the rest of the ground would cost $3.
Masimba Dinyero who is enjoying a roller-coaster ride as Harare City head coach, said the team was coming to Mutare to fight hard for maximum points.
He, however, expressed concern over the bumpy pitch at Sakubva.
“We are preparing thoroughly for the match. It will not be easy. We are expecting a very tough match. Buffaloes will be playing in their own backyard and they have a point to prove to their local fans. I respect Moses Chunga so much and I am looking forward to an exciting match in Mutare.
“Obviously with the way we are playing, all eyes will be on us. But the state of that pitch is worrying. It will really be a difficult match because of that. The pitch is very bumpy, but I hope my players will adjust to that,” said Dinyero.
Elsewhere, Harare giants Dynamos will be looking to extend their lead at the apex of the log by beating airmen Chapungu, while surprise package and second-placed ZPC Kariba will be travelling to Zvishavane for a tricky encounter against the in-form FC Platinum. Another title contender, Caps United, will clash with relegation- threatened Triangle United at Gibbo Stadium on Sunday.
Fixtures:
Today: How Mine vs Chiredzi (Hartsfield)
Tomorrow: Bantu Rovers vs Shabanie (Hartsfield), Black Rhinos vs Hwange (Rimuka), FC Platinum vs ZPC Kariba (Mandava)
Sunday: Buffaloes vs Harare City (Sakubva), Triangle United vs Caps United (Gibbo), Dynamos vs Chapungu (Rufaro), Highlanders vs Chicken Inn (Hartsfield).
Online Reporter