Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NESBERT “Yabo” Saruchera finds himself in an unfamiliar situation, uncharacteristic of his colourful coaching career.
Saruchera is still searching for that elusive first Premiership football win as FC Hunters coach but the respected gaffer can smell blood.
The newly-promoted side are winless in their opening seven matches of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Last Saturday at Rufaro, FC Hunters thought they had broken the jinx as they led log leaders CAPS United until the 82nd minute when Takunda Benhura found the equaliser that broke their hearts.
FC Hunters had found the opener through Tadiwanashe Huni, who scored a brilliant first time volley in the opening half.
Saruchera’s men now face Herentals at the same venue tomorrow hoping to register their first top-flight win.
Herentals on their part have been blowing hot and cold.
The Students have 10 points, five more than Hunters who sit 14th on the log table going into Match-day eight.
“Yes, we are still looking for that breakthrough but I believe we have prepared enough and we are now in good shape,” Saruchera said.
Although Hunters are yet to win, they play an exciting brand of football orchestrated from the midfield by the youthful Huni.
The central midfielder hails from Mabvuku and played for Scottland in Division One.
“I liked what I saw when I watched him then,” Saruchera revealed.
The veteran coach is credited for his cunning eye when it comes to unearthing talent.
He did it before with Cranborne Bullets with whom he promoted a number of unheralded players like Tinotenda Meke, Malvern Mudzuka and Eric Manokore.
At Hunters, Saruchera has also introduced a battery of youngsters including the likes of Benjamin Goliath, Junior Meya and Elder Chirima.
The latter was unplayable against Makepekepe last weekend.
He provided the cross that was hit first time by Huni.
“We keep pushing, there are no easy games in the Premier Soccer League,” reckoned Saruchera.
“It will be a tough match against Herentals but my boys are working hard.
“You saw their effort against CAPS United.
“It was unfortunate we ended up drawing that match,” added the former Black Rhinos gaffer.
Herentals will come into this match having registered three wins, as many losses and one draw.
They are seventh on the log and boast one of the league’s most dangerous man in Ralph Kawondera, who has so far banged four goals.
