FORMER Mighty Warriors goalkeepers’ coach Ndega Matsika, who has been appointed Buffaloes’ head coach, is optimistic of a quick return to the Premiership after assembling what he believes is a formidable outfit ahead of the Eastern Region Division One Football League 2016 season which starts early next month.
BY KENNETH NYANGANI
The Mutare-based army side was last year relegated to the unfashionable second-tier league under the watch of veteran gaffer Saul Chaminuka, who has since dumped them to join new top-flight league side Border Strikers.
But the army side is leaving no stone unturned for a quick return to the elite league after retaining most their top players ahead of the new season.
Buffaloes have already blocked raids by newly-promoted top-flight league side Mutare City Rovers, who were eager to make a swoop on Kudzai Mwaramba, left-back Farai Banda and dribbling wizard Roy Mwenga.
Veteran striker Jacob Muzokomba, goalkeeper Chengetai Tandadzai and defenders Philip Chandisaita and Shepherd Nkata are some of the stars at Matsika’s disposal.
In an interview with NewsDay Sport yesterday, Matsika said he was still conditioning his squad before emphasising on his players to approach the season with a positive mindset.
“Our preparations are going on well. We are still conditioning the players since we are coming from the off-season. We need to prepare mentally and physically. It is important to approach the season with a positive mind,” he said.
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“I have a good squad and we are hoping to return into the top-flight, but we will discuss that matter when the season starts but we are confident with our own team.”
Matsika, who is a soldier, is not new in the Buffaloes circles, as he was the army side’s goalkeeper several years back.
