HARARE - Former Zimbabwe champions Monomotapa believe they are well-placed to regain the Castle Premiership title they won for the first time four years ago.
Monomotapa — who host Shabanie Mine at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon, are currently third on the log standings behind log leaders Highlanders and second-placed Dynamos, making them a dark horse in the title race.
Though they are seven points adrift of unbeaten Bosso, new Monoz coach Biggie Zuze yesterday declared that the 2008 champions have a realistic chance of claiming a second title in five years.
“I have heard people say that it is now a two-horse race, but I don’t agree,” said the former Dynamos player.
“We are still in there; we still very much in there. We are at home this weekend (today) against Shabanie, so we expect a good result.”
Although none of the players in the current squad were around when the Harare club won the championship four years ago, Zuze believes the new crop of players’ hunger for success will power them on to the club’s second title since formation.
“The players are hungry for success. Most of the players in the current squad have not won a league title before, so we have been emphasising the importance of playing to win; of being winners.”
Zuze is, however, sweating over the fitness of skipper Tawanda Nyamandwe, who was injured before their impressive 3-0 away victory over FC Platinum last weekend.
“Tawanda is the team’s captain; the natural leader on the pitch. We will definitely miss him. Chances are he could miss our next three games. The good part is that we did well without him against Platinum so I am sure we will cope again in his absence.”
Zuze is not losing sleep over the fact that leading Monoz to this year’s title would be at the expense of Dynamos, the club that gave him fame and a little fortune as a player.
“If I win the league title, Dynamos fans will be happy for me because they realise that my bread is now buttered at Monomotapa. Some Dynamos players usually come to support us,” he said.
“Given a choice, most DeMbare fans would rather have us as the league title winners instead of Bosso should Dynamos fall by the way side.”
FC Platinum, winless in their last two matches, are hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Blue Rangers this afternoon.
Elsewhere, relegation-threatened Black Mambas’ resolve to escape the drop will come under serious examination when they take on in-form Harare City at Morris Depot today.
FIXTURES
Today: Monomotapa v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Blue Rangers (Mandava), Black Mambas v Harare City (Morris Depot).
Tomorrow: Hwange v Chicken Inn (Colliery), Hardbody v Quelaton (Ascot), Dynamos v Gunners (Rufaro), Buffaloes v CAPS United (Sakubva), Highlanders v Motor Action (Barbourfields).