Shabanie Mine coach Luke Masomere has assured his team fans that despite being rooted fifth from the bottom of the log table, the team will not be relegated as they are prepared to fight all the way in their remaining Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches.
Shabanie Mine clash with rivals Masvingo United at Mucheke Stadium on Sunday.
Masomere said he expected a tough encounter against his former paymasters.
“It is going to be a good and tough game because both teams are struggling. The better team of the day will win, but hopefully it will be Shabanie Mine,” he said.
The former Masvingo United mentor who quit and took over the reigns from Arnold Jani, said he is very confident they will survive the chop from the top-flight league.
“We are definitely not going to be relegated. I want to assure our fans that we will put up a good fight in all our games. All we ask is their support,” he said.
What makes the match more intriguing is that Masvingo coach Saul Chaminuka had a stint with Shabanie Mine before he was fired and later resurfacing at Masvingo.
Chaminuka said they were looking forward to the Midlands derby and said they expected a victory after losing their last league game.
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“The morale in the team is very high. We are under pressure because we lost our last league match against Black Mambas 3-1. But the players are raring to go as they do not want another home defeat especially against Shabanie Mine,” he said.
“The match would be exciting because both teams are under pressure. But we have to move up the ladder,” he said.
The Chinda boys welcome back Caleb Masocha, Michael Mageja, Artwell Nyoni and Solomon Ndlovu who missed the last league game through injury. Veteran Rowan Nenzou is out through injury.
Shabanie also have in their ranks Tarisai Rukanda, Welcome Ndiweni, Rodney Mware and Boniface Dimanji. Zvenyika Makonese rates amongst the most experienced players for Shabanie Mine and scored the solitary goal against Monomotapa when they won their last league match.
Elasto Bakacheza, Tafadzwa Mombeshora, Rodney Mware, Boniface Dimanji and Jonathan Chitereki are some of the players who can do duty for the Chinda boys.
Captain Simon Shoko and goalkeeper Roy Mazingi are also in the team. Masvingo United defenders will have to contend with Takunda Mapara and Beven Chirere upfront.
