The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda Acting Sports Editor
HIGH flying Hwange face a stern test in search of a third consecutive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League win when they clash with Triangle at the Colliery Stadium in Hwange this afternoon.
For a team that fought against relegation for the better part of last season, Hwange have surprised many with their marauding display so far this season winning all their two matches. The resurgent Hwange have scored seven goals while conceding three and have a goal difference of four.
The Nation Dube coached Chipangano started the season with a 4-1 victory at home against Buffaloes then followed that up with a gallant show against FC Platinum whom they defeated 3-2 in Zvishavane last Saturday. The two wins see Hwange occupy top spot with six points.
What makes Hwange’s job a difficult one is the fact that they only collected a point from Triangle, then coached by the outspoken Gishon Ntini last season. Triangle triumphed 1-0 at the Colliery before the two teams drew 2-2 at Gibbo Stadium.
Despite the fine run so far this season, the Hwange coach is not getting carried away as he feels it is too early to celebrate being on top of the log.
Dube attributed their brilliant start to the season to carrying on from where they left last season with a late surge which saw them finish ninth on the log. He praised his players for the zeal they have shown so far after realising that the situation they were in last season was not a pleasant one.
“It is too early for us to celebrate being on top of the log, there are still 28 games to go so I have told my players that there is no point in winning two games then lose the other 28. We have not set ourselves any tough goals, all we want is to be better than last season. The boys have shown the will to win as they showed when they came back from two goals down against FC Platinum,’’ said Dube.
On the threat posed by Triangle, now under the mentorship of former Monomotapa coach Biggie Zuze, Dube said it was going to be a tough match considering what transpired last season.
“They beat us at home last season, it is going to be a tough match, the better team is going to win. Every game that we go into we look forward to a positive result,’’ Dube said.
Hwange have been boosted by the return of their captain, former Zimbabwe Warriors striker Rodwell Chinyengetere who was sidelined the whole of last year because of a double fracture on his right leg when he collided with then Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi during a PSL match in Harare in September 2012.
The 2012 soccer star of the year finalist has been on target twice for Hwange so far this season. Besides his team leader, other players Dube is banking on this afternoon are goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya, David Boriwondo, Aleck Marime, Warriors defender Eric Chipeta, Tafara Chese, Evans Rusike, Munyaradzi Mungadze, Farai Vimisayi and Gerald Ndlovu.
Triangle have recorded one win out of two so far with their victory coming in the Lowveld derby when they defeated Chiredzi 3-1 at Gibbo Stadium last Sunday.
Zuze has at his disposal Ronald Mudimu, Lameck Nhamo, Pasca Manhanga, Courage Denias, Tinashe Chipunza and Blessing Chimwamuchere.
In other fixtures lined up for this afternoon, fourth placed Chapungu come up against How Mine who are yet to pick up points so far this season, Caps United in third place play Buffaloes while Shabanie come up against Black Rhinos.
Tomorrow, defending champions Dynamos make another trip to Bulawayo for a date with Bantu Rovers at Barbourfields Stadium. Highlanders, inspired by the 1-0 win over Harare City in the Independence Cup third place play-off at White City are away to Chiredzi, Chicken Inn square off against FC Platinum while ZPC Kariba take on bottom of the log Harare City.
Fixtures: today, Hwange v Triangle (Colliery Stadium), Chapungu v How Mine (Ascot Stadium), Caps United v Buffaloes (Gwanzura Stadium), Shabanie Mine v Black Rhinos (Maglas Stadium).
Tomorrow: Bantu Rovers v Dynamos (Barbourfields Stadium), Chicken Inn v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium), Chiredzi v Highlanders (Chishamiso Stadium), ZPC Kariba v Harare City (Gwanzura Stadium).
