×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Hwange brace for win to avoid relegation

Sport
HWANGE are bracing for an outright win and steer safe from relegation as they take on relegated Quelaton in their last 2012 Castle Lager Premiership match at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

HWANGE are bracing for an outright win and steer safe from relegation as they take on relegated Quelaton in their last 2012 Castle Lager Premiership match at Luveve Stadium tomorrow.

REPORT BY FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER

Yesterday, Hwange were dealt a huge blow when their disputed match against Dynamos ended in agony after the Harare giants were handed a 4-2 win from the May 6 match which was marred by violence. The coal-miners are on position six from the bottom of the log-standings with 33 points and a point from Quelaton could render them safe, but have Black Mambas and Gunners on 31 points to worry about with three teams already booted out of the Premiership.

However, head coach Nation Dube yesterday said they did not want to survive the chop on goal difference.

“We want an outright win to ensure we are safe, but it’s a tricky match and I reckon it is going to be one of our toughest matches. The boys have shown quite some commitment to survive and we have been fighting up to the last game. It is up to us and the boys are raring to go,” Dube said.

Things did not look bright for Hwange after the 2-0 loss to Dynamos at the Colliery on October 7, but the tide changed after the home defeat as they went on to hold Buffaloes in a 1-1 draw at Sakubva Stadium on October 27.

Chipangano then thumped relegated Hardbody 5-1 at the Colliery, their first win after three months when the beat Caps United 3-1 at home on August 5.

A slip-up almost cost them at Mandava on November 4 when they conceded a goal three minutes before the final whistle to lose to FC Platinum. Last Wednesday, the coal-miners were in no-nonsense mood dumping relegated Blue Rangers with an emphatic 7-1 victory at the Colliery.

Central defender David Boriwondo is nursing a left ankle injury, but could pass a late fitness test.

Hwange have Farai Vimisai, Tawanda Mareya, Gilbert Zulu, Nkosana Siwela, Winston Mhango, Francisco Zvikumbawire, Aaron Katebe and Tonisani Sibelo to make sure they remain in top flight football.

Hwange ended last season on position four and represented the country in the Caf Confederation Cup, but had their terrible moments in the league this year, which saw technical manager and last year’s Castle Lager Premiership Coach of the Year Tennant Chilumba step down.

Farai Sibanda-coached Quelaton with captain Innocent Kutsanzira, Mhleli Sibanda, Simba Manwere are already headed back to Division One after a year’s flirtation with the Premiership.