ZRP Morris eye Gunners’ scalp

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZRP Morris will face another stern test today when they meet Gunners at Morris Depot in the Northern Region Division One Soccer League.

The police side are still licking their wounds after they lost 0-2 to Mushowani in their last game on Wednesday.

ZRP Morris coach John “Toto” Ncube said although they have not had a good start to their campaign, they were going into today’s game expecting better fortunes.

“On Wednesday we lost 0-2 to Mushowani, but it’s water under the bridge and now we are preparing for the game against Gunners.

“We have been working with our strikers because we lost several chances.

“I know Gunners are a tough team, but we are playing at home. Of the four games we have played, we drew three and lost one.

“We missed our game against Ngezi because we forgot our licenses. So, it’s high time we started winning. The earlier we start winning, the better for the team.

“Last season we started with draws and won the fourth game and we expect the same to happen tomorrow (today).

“We have been trying to psyche our players up not to lose focus because we have not won a match. Gunners are not a small team, but we are ready for the game,” said Ncube.

They will be missing their captain, Steven Jongwe, due to a head injury, but the ZRP Morris coach said they have equally good replacements.

Gunners coach Darlington Dodo said they need to win today’s match at all costs.

“We have to win, the only thing that we are not doing right as of now is attacking. Our strikers are not taking advantage of the mid-fielders’ creativity.

“Tomorrow (today) we have to get it right.

“We have been concentrating on the finishing aspect because we are creating so many chances, but we are wasting a lot of those chances. We have to rectify it on Saturday and we have to win because we need those points,” said Dodo.

Gunners on Wednesday fielded former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Edmore “Zikeeper” Sibanda as a striker.

Sibanda is making a return to football after his life ban from football for his alleged role in the Asiagate match-fixing scam was lifted by ZIFA.

Yesterday, Dodo was not certain whether the player will make it today after he picked up an injury during Wednesday’s game.

“I think I have got one or two people who picked up some knocks during midweek. Unfortunately, Sibanda got injured during that game.

“We are still making an assessment,” said Dodo.