Crunch time for new boys
PREMIERSHIP new boys Bulawayo Chiefs are disappointed that they didn’t get the big boys in their opening fixtures.
Amakhosi Amahle are set to play Yadah in Harare on the opening weekend, host Caps United and clash with Bulawayo City in a local derby.
Ties against Chapungu (home) and Harare City (away) complete their opening five assignments and club secretary Dumisani Sibanda revealed that they would have preferred a much tougher start.
“I am a bit disappointed that we are not facing the big brothers of the Premiership in our opening fixtures,” he said.
“It would have been good for us to face Dynamos and Highlanders early. Now when we face these big brothers, their machines would have been well oiled and the games will be much tougher.
“Playing the big teams in the opening stages of the Premiership would also have given our young boys confidence but there is nothing we can do now, we have to follow the fixture.”
Herentals probably have the fixture Sibanda wanted.
Herere play Ngezi Platinum Stars, Highlanders and Caps United in their opening five games.
A tough trip to ZPC Kariba and a banana skin duel with Yadah FC are sandwiched between those gigantic assignments.
Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziwa is putting on a brave face ahead of what promises to be a gruelling five weeks.
“We are not afraid of any team, we also now belong to the same league with these so-called big teams. Bring them on,” he charged.
In Mutare, Joseph “Shabba” Takaringofa reckons his side Mutare City have been handed a soft landing on their return to the top-flight league.
His team clashes with debutants Nichruit on the opening day before hosting Chapungu in the second round of fixtures.
“The fixture looks good although we might not enjoy home advantage in our opening games as we are likely to use National Sports as our home ground.
“Obviously, we want a good start, so every game will be like a cup final to us,” said Takaringofa. After hosting Chapungu, Mutare City will travel to Bulawayo for a date with 2015 champions Chicken Inn before hosting Harare City in their fourth fixture.
2017 Central Region champions Nichruit have the comfort of playing their first four games in their home province of Midlands before crossing the Shangani River to face Highlanders.
Nichruit play Mutare City and Chicken Inn at home before facing Shabanie in Zvishavane.
They are set to host Ngezi Platinum in their fourth game before travelling to the City of Kings for a date with Bosso.