A fortnight ago, Monomotapa coach Taurai Mangwiro told NewsDay Sport his team would be looking for a jump-start when the Castle Lager Premier Soccer started but as has become the norm in the past few seasons, the 2008 league champions got stuck at Mucheke Stadium where they could only manage a single point against premiership returnees Masvingo United.
Today (Saturday), they face a massive task in halting Highlanders at Rufaro Stadium, a team that is beaming with confidence after an impressive 3–0 win over Shabanie Mine in last week’s season opener.
Monoz defender, Knowledge Machona believes the team which is made up of youngsters after the departure of a host of big names, has what it takes to upset the early pacesetters.
The team lost Lucky Simango to Kiglon, Vorster Chitema to Zimbabwe Saints; Daniel Kamunhenga and Tapiwa Khumbuyani joined new premiership boys Blue Ribbon while Lincoln Zvasiya joined the great trek to cash-rich FC Platinum.
Lawrence Mdluli joined Black Mambas, goalkeeper Godfrey Mangove is believed to be in Mozambique while the trio of Kuda Musharu, Ocean Mushure and Tawanda Nyamandwe were loaned out to league champions Motor Action.
“People might say we have a new team, but football is just the same everywhere you go, and the departure of Chiutsa and other senior players gives a chance to other youngsters like myself to make a mark on the football scene, I mean look at Dynamos and what they have achieved in a short period with the so-called new team,” said Machona.
“Highlanders are a good side but we treat them in the same way we treat all the other 15 teams in the league. The Masvingo match has come and gone. We got a point playing away so I don’t think it was a bad result at all. We will just go out there and play our normal game and hope to come out with a good result,” said the Young Warriors defender.
At Maglas Stadium tomorrow afternoon Chicken Inn could provide a sumptuous meal when they clash with Shabanie Mine.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Both teams come into the match without a win from the opening round with Shabanie having been thumped 3-0 by Highlanders at Barbourfields. Chicken Inn carry a psychological advantage though after they picked up a point in the 2-2 draw against Blue Ribbon.
Shabanie Mine coach Saul Chaminuka said they have been preparing for the sumptuous delivery of three points in their first home game of the season. “We are looking forward to collecting three points against Chicken Inn. We have been working on our attack because we were very slow when we played Highlanders. We want to play a quick game against Chicken Inn. We want to unsettle their defence early and create scoring opportunities,” he said.
Chicken Inn coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube knows what to expect after watching Shabanie Mine going down to Highlanders last Sunday.
“The match is going to be very difficult for us but we will give a fight. Both teams have a chance to win. We must avoid making mistakes as Shabanie Mine will capitalise on that,” he said.
