Black Rhinos not in panic mode ahead of FCP clash

BASEMENT side Black Rhinos say they are not pressing the panic button yet despite a miserable run that has seen them failing to win in nine straight games.

Chauya Chipembere’s woes deepened when they lost their previous two games to fellow struggling teams ZPC Kariba and new boys GreenFuel.

The bad patch has left both the club and supporters anxious but, as they prepare to host defending champions FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium on Saturday, the club’s secretary-general Edward Mutukwa yesterday said the army side was working hard behind the scenes in search of the winning formula.

Mutukwa also appealed to the supporters and other stakeholders to continue rallying behind the team.

“Black Rhinos FC wishes to inform its supporters and sponsors that it is not in panic mode,” he said.

“The Executive, technical department and players remain united in search for the elusive winning formula, which we are optimistic that we will find very soon.

“The team is playing an attractive brand of football; the only challenge is that luck has not been on our side. All is in good order, to our sponsors and fans, please can you be patient and continue supporting us.

“Black Rhinos FC is a big brand, the institution is big thus the need for all of us to integrate and support the Technical

Department and players. We appeal to all who are associated with the team to give the Coach working space and the support needed when all is not well.”

Rhinos’ only win came in the opening fixture of the season when they dispatched sister club Cranborne Bullets 1-0. But six defeats and three draws have left them anchoring the table with a paltry six points.

They have scored only three goals in 10 league games and conceded 13.

As alarm bells began to sound louder in their camp recently they made technical changes, bringing in Saul Chaminuka to take over the duties of head coach from the legendary Stanford ‘Stix’ Mutizwa, who was reassigned to the position of technical advisor following a spate of poor results.

Mutizwa, however, has continued to sit on the bench as Chaminuka is still to get clearance from ZIFA and the PSL.

The domestic football authorities ruled that coaches that did not attend the recent CAF A Refresher course will not be allowed to work in the topflight league this season.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Herentals v Hwange ( NSS)

Saturday: Black Rhinos v FC Platinum ( NSS), Bulawayo Chiefs v Cranborne Bullets ( Luveve), Manica Diamonds v Yadah (Gibbo)

Sunday: CAPS United v Simab Bhora ( NSS), triangle v Sheasham (Gibbo), Highlanders v GreenFuel (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Dynamos (Baobab)

Monday: ZPC Kariba v Chicken Inn (