BY COURAGE NYAYA CRANBORNE Bullets coach Nesbert Saruchera has warned his players to keep their foot on the ground following a spate of good results, which has seen the team record two wins on the bounce.
The army side beat Whawha a fortnight ago, for their first win of the season, which they followed up with a 2-1 victory over Bulawayo City last week.
This recent run of results has propelled the team from the bottom of the log standings up to 15th with nine points from their opening 10 matches.
But with all due respect to Whawha and Bulawayo City, those two have been far from convincing this season, and their match away to Highlanders will certainly test Saruchera men’s sudden surge.
“Highlanders is a big team and playing them is a motivation on its own for my players,” Saruchera told NewsDay Sport.
“We have prepared enough and we are ready. The boys know the task at hand, and they won’t be carried away (by the recent wins).”
After a stuttering start to the league, it appears Cranborne are slowly returning to their previous form which saw the newly-promoted side defying odds to reach the semifinals of the season opening Chibuku Super Cup.
Saruchera blamed the team’s early season struggles to injuries on key men.
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The good news is that most of those who were crocked are beginning to return.
“The team is now in a better shape,” Saruchera said. “Most of the guys who were injured are back. Believe you me, when all the players are fit, we will be a difficult team to beat.”
In the absence of the experienced players who were affected by injuries, Saruchera threw in youngsters, whom he said had done a wonderful job, barring the results.
“The youngsters are very committed and eager to learn,” he said.
Saruchera’s team will be facing a rejuvenated Highlanders side which is slowly turning Barbourfields into a fortress.
Bosso have won their last three matches at home, and they will view this fixture as another good opportunity to collect maximum points.
Away, the Mandla Mpofu-coached side hasn’t found similar joy, and is yet to win a match outside Bulawayo this season.
But an unbeaten run in their last five matches, where they won twice and drawn thrice, is giving them hope going forward.
Highlanders are on ninth position on the log standings with 13 points, a massive 10 behind city rivals Chicken Inn who top the table.
Premier League matchday 11 fixtures
Tomorrow: Harare City v Tenax (National Sports Stadium)
Saturday: Herentals v Triangle (National Sports Stadium), Black Rhinos v Zpc Kariba (Sakubva), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (Baobab), Bulawayo City v FC Platinum (Barbourfields), Whawha v Chicken Inn (Ascot)
Sunday: Manica Diamonds v Bulawayo Chiefs (Sakubva), Caps United v Yadah (National Sports Stadium), Highlanders v Cranborne Bullets (Barbourfields)
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