Motor Action coach Joey Antipas is expecting an improved performance from his side when the second-half of the season gets underway Saturday.
The reigning league champions, who are hosting Monomotapa at Motor Action Sports Club Saturday started their league defence on a high and maintained top position on the log, but a sudden loss of form have seen them slipping to second position.
The Mighty Bulls, just like their opponents today, have failed to collect maximum points in their last four matches which have all ended in draws.
Motor Action drew 0-0 against Hwange, came from behind to force a 2-2 draw against Kiglon, finished 1-1 against Masvingo United before they were held to a goalless draw in their last round game of the first half of the league season. The draws left the league champions on 28 points, two behind log leaders FC Platinum.
Antipas, however is confident that his team will fare much better in the second-half of the season and believes he still have a good chance of retaining the title.
“We have done pretty well in the first-half of the season. If you had asked me before the start of the season that would we be at position two at this stage, I wouldn’t have answered you, but here we are. We have only lost one match so far, which is a good sign for the team. It’s too early however to talk about the title, but I know we will have a big shout at the end of the season,” said Antipas.
Today’s match will be the third meeting for the two sides in as many weeks after their league encounter ended in a goalless draw before Motor Action ran 2-1 winners in the BancABC Sup8r quarter-finals at Sakubva Stadium last weekend.
“We are expecting a backlash from Monomotapa after we beat them last week, but we are well prepared for them. Monoz is a tough nut to crack, they are a good young side, but we will give it our best. We want a good finish to the league,” added Antipas.
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Monoz’s camp has been rocked by the departure of their talismanic captain Tendai Samanja who has joined Caps United while deender Fidelis Mangezi has requested a transfer letter.
“We started the season with a much changed side after a host of names deserted us, but still we haven’t done badly. The team has managed to collect crucial points especially away from home and if we can build on that form, I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
We have lost our captain and Fidelis Mangezi has also asked to leave, but I still have a very formidable team which I think is capable of beating any team in the league.”
In other matches today, Blue Ribbon host Shabanie Mine at Rufaro Stadium. The Tamba Wakaguta boys who are ninth on the log with 20 points, will have a chance to parade their new players, midfielder Charles Mukanhairi and striker George Mashumba who were both snatched from Kiglon.
They will also welcome Talent Mandaza who has recovered from an injury.
