Zimpapers Logo

Taurai Mangwiro

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
HARARE City have recalled their two players — Tino Kadewere and Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye — from the Young Warriors to beef up their side ahead of their Castle Lager Premiership soccer tie against Chapungu at Rufaro this afternoon.The Sunshine Boys have a tricky home date against the in-form Air Force of Zimbabwe side and their coach Taurai Mangwiro felt he needed to have the duo in his squad following injuries to some of his key men.

The pair, however, is expected to return to the Under-23 camp after today’s match.

Mangwiro yesterday said they are not taking any chances after going for three matches without a win in their previous outings against Highlanders, Hwange and Buffaloes.

“We are looking forward to redeeming ourselves, especially after that loss at Buffaloes. We dropped crucial points in Mutare despite playing a good game,” said Mangwiro.

“I think we are lacking that ability to finish off our opponents.

“We are dominating most of these matches, but somehow we are falling short. We are conceding late goals like we did in stoppage time against Hwange and Highlanders. Probably it’s to do with concentration.

“Sometimes you think you have already gotten there and then you are punished. But it’s something that we are working on.

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to think that we should start panicking. In fact, we are taking this opportunity to try and redeem ourselves.”

Big forward Francisco Zekumbawira is still recovering from an ankle injury and is doubtful for this afternoon.

The Sunshine Boys cheered the return of Talent Chawapihwa from the COSAFA Cup, but that joy turned to gloom as the lively winger is nursing a groin injury.

Harare City are currently 10th on the log standings with 14 points from 11 games.

Mangwiro said they were not intimidated by Chapungu’s rise in the last month.

John Nyikadzino’s men are unbeaten in their last eight outings.

They are now second on the log table with 21 points.

A win today might see them claiming pole position going into the weekend.

An interesting duel is expected when Highlanders visit Mandava for a date against resurgent FC Platinum tomorrow.

The Bulawayo giants will be looking to rise from the midweek disturbances that rocked their preparations after players went on strike demanding payment of outstanding bonuses.

Fixtures:

Today: Harare City v Chapungu (Rufaro)

Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v Buffaloes (Luveve), FC Platinum v Highlanders (Mandava), Flame Lily v Dongo Sawmill (Lafarge)

Sunday: Dynamos v Triangle (Rufaro) How Mine v ZPC Kariba (Luveve), Whawha v Hwange (Ascot), Tsholotsho v CAPS United (Barbourfields).