adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
GUNNERS coach Darlington Dodo believes the return of midfielder Ramson Zhuwawo to his club is a boost for the team ahead of their clash with ZRP FC this afternoon at Callies Action in a tricky Northern Region Division One soccer league encounter.
The former Premiership champions missed the trio of Zhuwawo, captain Justice Jangano and David Redhiyoni in their previous game against Black Rhinos.
Zhuwawo had an injury, Redhiyoni was ruled out due to a fever while Jangano was on national duty with the Warriors away in the Comoros.
Although Gunners will still be missing Jangano, who is away in South Africa for trials at Maritzburg United and Redhiyoni, who is still recovering from a fever, Dodo said the return of Zhuwawo was good for the team.
“I think for the past three to four games the team is coming up right but when you start getting results injuries also start coming and sometimes it actually paralyses the team.
“Those players that were out are starting to come in.
“Zhuwawo is back, so the players are starting to come in which is good for us although we still have Redhiyoni, who is still out but the team is beginning to come together.
“The captain (Jangano) has gone for trials but the return of Zhuwawo is a big boost for us. He is a good player.
“Redhiyoni had a fever and has been having his medication, he is still doing light training and I will not consider him for this week,” said Redhiyoni.
Dodo said he is also happy with the progress that has been made by Edmore “Zikeeper” Sibanda adding that experience brings stability to the team.
“I am expecting a good game and we respect our opponents but we are not going to treat them with kids’ gloves. We will all go out in full force.
“We are going out for three points. When we were getting draws and sometimes losing it was not part of our plans but sometimes it happens in football,” said Dodo.
ZRP FC coach, Arthur Tutani, said they need to pick as many points as they can and will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways after they were held to a goalless draw by Mushowani last week.
“We are playing Gunners, it’s a tough game, let’s hope we will collect maximum points because at this time of the race it’s all about collecting points.
“If we do not collect maximum points Ngezi will run away with the championship,” said Tutani.
The police side are nine points behind log leaders Ngezi Platinum and just a point ahead of fourth placed Gunners.
ZRP FC have managed to pick eight points out of a possible in the past four games.
In other matches Ngezi Platinum battle it out with Darwin at Baobab and the log leaders will be seeking a win again today to maintain their unbeaten run with just two games left before the mid-season break.
Fixtures
Today
DStv Rangers v ZRP Morris (Old Hararians), Cargo Carriers v Zatex (GMB Aspindale), Blue Swallows v Blue Jets (Manyame), Ngezi Platinum v Darwin United (Baobab), Herentals v Lake Harvest (NSS), Mushowani v Seven Flames (Chaminuka Madziva), Gunners v ZRP FC (Motor Action ground), DC Academy v Black Rhinos (Tomlinson).
Tomorrow
Karoi United v Starbill (Chikangwe).
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