Hwange will be seeking their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League maximum points when they clash with Masvingo United at Mucheke Stadium on Sunday.
In their season opener last week, Hwange were held to a 0-0 draw by 2009 champions Gunners at the Colliery while Masvingo also played a goalless draw against former champions Monomotapa at Mucheke.
Hwange technical manager Tennant Chilumba told NewsDay Sport on Thursday that they were ready to collect maximum points.
“We are now prepared to face Masvingo United. We want to collect our first three points when we play on Sunday after drawing with Gunners.
“We are working on previous mistakes that we saw when we played Gunners. The team played well in the first half, but their concentration lapsed in the second half. We have been working on that. We are aiming to introduce two youngsters into the team to play against Masvingo United. We hope for a good game,” he said.
Having fired blanks last weekend, Rodwell Chinyengetere and Gilbert Zulu are expected to take their shooting boots to Mucheke. Midfielders Aaron Katebe, Andrew Tshuma, Sizalobuhle Dube and Francis Zvikumbawira should be the creative hub that supplies clean balls to the strikers while goalkeeper Timothy Sibanda is likely to keep his position between the posts with support from defenders Blessing Sande, Maxwell Chipunza and David Boriwondo.
Masvingo coach Luke Masomere said his team faced a tough task against the coalminers.
“It is going to be an exciting but difficult game as both teams failed to get three points last week. We aim to play our normal game and not under pressure as we want to win the match,” he said.
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“Hwange are no pushovers, but we are also a good team. We want to play well and we are looking forward to a victory,” he said.
Francis Tizayi is likely to be in goals for Masvingo United while Pevington Zimunya, former Highlanders strikers Takunda Mapara and Douglas Zimbago could be thrown into the fray.
In addition, Innocent Taweni, Vengai and Partson Sinamai and Peter Makuvise are expected to form a rock-solid defence.
Masomere can also pick midfielders Patrick Chagara, Ronald Makiwa and Gracious Nleya to do battle against the coalminers.
In other matches on Saturday, Highlanders make their first trip to Harare this season where they face Monomotapa at Rufaro Stadium while Gunners take on defending champions Motor Action at Motor Action Sports Club.
Caps United, 5-3 victors over Zimbabwe Saints last week, are away to Shooting Stars at Rufaro on Sunday while Shabanie Mine welcome Chicken Inn at Maglas.
Zimbabwe Saints face Kiglon at home and Blue Ribbon take on Black Mambas at Gwanzura Stadium.
