Midlands rivals in relegation battle
A TIGHT battle is expected at Ascot today when relegation-threatened Midlands sides Chapungu and Shabanie Mine meet in a Castle Lager Premiership tie.
The visitors come into this battle walking with a spring in their step following their stunning victory over Ngezi Platinum in their previous encounter.
Chapungu have also been buoyed by their two previous results — first they held champions CAPS United in a goalless draw before shocking Bulawayo giants Highlanders with a narrow 1-0 win in Bulawayo.
The Chinda Boys are in the relegation zone and they know a victory in Gweru coupled by a loss for Yadah Stars, who are in Bulawayo for a duel against Chicken Inn today, will see them climb out of the dreaded relegation zone.
Yadah Stars, who thrashed Bantu Rovers 3-1 in their last match, left Harare yesterday for their battle against the leaders with goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube saying they were ready for a tough fight.
The previous match between the two sides in Harare saw the Gamecocks score a last-gasp winner.
Chapungu coach Tendai Chikuni guided Shabanie into the Premiership at the end of last season and tomorrow he will be plotting their downfall.
But Shabanie Mine technical manager Taku Shariwa is not worried by the prospects of facing their former coach.
“It is not about the technical department, it is about the players who will play on Saturday (today).
“They (Chapungu) are also fighting (against) relegation just like us so it is important to get maximum points against a team which is fighting for the same cause as us.
“We have been playing well so we just hope to continue the same way and collect maximum points though it will not be an easy game since Chapungu have been doing well of late.
“Our players have been doing well at training and they are raring to go,” said Shariwa.
Chikuni said he was no longer worried about events at Shabanie Mine as he was now serving his new employers.
“Now, I am at Chapungu and my bread is buttered here and I want the best out of Chapungu, I am not worried about what happens at Shabanie Mine.
“We have players that were once on the books of Shabanie but now they are here and the objective is to help Chapungu achieve their goals.
“We are playing at home and we will do our best to get maximum points.
“Players have been responding well at training and we are ready for the match,” said Chikuni.