Lloyd Mutasa
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
TSHOLOTSHO FC play a must win Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at White City Stadium this afternoon against fellow relegation threatened side, Whawha.
The Zhwane Boys should brace for a tough encounter as the Midlands based side has threatened to give them a good run for their money.
Tsholotsho are on position 13 with 23 points while their opponents are second from the bottom with 20 points.
Whawha coach Lloyd Mutasa believes a victory this afternoon will revive their survival hopes.
“Obviously you don’t want to give advantage to a team that you’re competing with. If we gain advantage tomorrow that’ll brighten our chances of surviving relegation.
“I believe we’ve done everything in terms of preparations for this game and what’s left is to see the results. It’s now up to the youngsters to implement what we’ve been doing the whole week,” said Mutasa.
Whawha travel to Bulawayo without the injured duo of Cleopas Kapupurika and Clifton Mwale.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services side will bank on experienced striker Nelson Maziwisa and utility player Marshal Machazane to lead them in the hunt for three points.
Some of the players expected to play a pivotal role for Whawha are goalkeeper Stanley Chakwana, Blessed Chikwekwete, Raymond Horongwa and Gift Kwaramba.
Whawha opponents, Tsholotsho FC’s preparations were boosted by the availability of captain William Stima who was dropped from the national team squad that left Bulawayo yesterday for the second leg of the African Nations Championship (Chan) final qualifier against Lesotho.
According to Tsholotsho FC coach Lizwe Sweswe, Stima missed out on an opportunity to earn his first national team cap after getting his passport late.
“I think Stima’s failure to travel with the Warriors is a blessing in disguise in the sense that he has been a vital cog in our team and we really need his services for this game.
“It’s unfortunate that he received his passport from home late but we hope he’ll get a future national team call-up,” said Sweswe.
Commenting on today’s encounter, Sweswe said only Kriess Chitiyo has been ruled out of the game due to an injury.
He ruled out complacency saying; “This is a very important and a must win game.
“It’s a tricky one in the sense that Whawha are battling for survival just like us and we can’t afford to underestimate them even if they’re below us.”
Goalkeeper Nickel Marichi, rightback MacClive Phiri, central defender Thandolwenkosi Ncube, defensive midfielder Butholezwe Ncube, playmaker Ocient Ncube and striker Lynnoth “Sonjie” Chikuhwa are expected to carry the day for Tsholotsho FC.
They also have veterans Joel Luphahla, Danisa Phiri and Siza Khoza to draw inspiration from.
Meanwhile, How Mine travel to the capital for a date with Harare City this afternoon while Flame Lily play host Dynamos at Lafarge.
Tomorrow, table anchors Dongo Sawmill will be at home against ZPC Kariba with Hwange taking on Buffaloes in Mutare.