Injury sidelines Nhivi
STRIKER Simba Nhivi faces up six weeks on the sidelines before he can make an appearance for his new team Ngezi Platinum Stars after he broke his arm during training last week.
Nhivi, who left CAPS United recently in search of greener pastures, had barely been with the platinum miners for a week when misfortune struck.
The injury-prone forward was hoping to play his first game this weekend when they host newboys Nichrut but he landed badly on his hand and was operated on at the weekend. His manager Gibson Mahachi confirmed the injury yesterday.
“He injured himself but it’s not something very serious. He should be back soon,” said Mahachi.
Nhivi was unveiled last week together with Polite Moyo who was signed from Bulawayo Chiefs as title hopefuls Ngezi Platinum look to bolster their squad for the remainder of the season. Ngezi Platinum Stars could not comment much on the player’s injury but they posted a get-well soon message on their Facebook page.
“Madamburo family wishes our new signing centre forward, Simbarashe Nhivi, a speedy recovery, he picked up a hand injury during training.
“We wish him a speedy recovery and we can’t wait for him to score goals for Ngezi. God has a purpose for everything and God has plans to (help you) prosper Simba.”
Nhivi had five goals to his name when he left CAPS United just before the close of the mid-season transfer window last week.
He was Makepekepe’s second leading scorer after John Zhuwawu.
But goals had dried up for the 27-year old ever since he scored the hattrick that handed the Green Machine a 4-3 win in a remarkable comeback against newboys Nichrut at Ascot four months ago. Ironically, he was set to face the same opponents in his new role at Baobab where he was employed to add more steel to their attack.
Harare City will get the ball rolling after two-week break when they host basement side Mutare City at Rufaro on Friday. And their coach Mark Harrison expects a positive response from his charges.
Rufaro will host three games this weekend as the National Sports Stadium is not available because of Hero’s Day preparations.
Giants CAPS United’s match against Black Rhinos will be played at Rufaro on Saturday and then Yadah and Herentals have a date at the same venue on Sunday. The blockbuster clash between Dynamos and Highlanders which was scheduled for Barbourfields on Sunday has been postponed indefinitely.
Fixtures
Friday: Harare City v Mutare City Rovers (Rufaro) Saturday: Chapungu v Bulawayo Chiefs (Ascot), CAPS United v Black Rhinos (Rufaro), Bulawayo City v FC Platinum (Barbourfields), ZPC Kariba v Triangle United (Nyamhunga), Ngezi Platinum Stars v Nichrut (Baobab)
Sunday: Yadah v Herentals (Rufaro), Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas), Highlanders v Dynamos (Barbourfields - Postponed).