The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
BULAWAYO CHIEFS will be without Portuguese gaffer, Nilton Terosso, when they face Black Rhinos on Saturday, but that has not dampened the team’s hopes of finally registering a win that has been elusive in the last five outings.
Terosso is back in Europe to attend to some personal issues.
Assistant coaches, Mark Mathe and Farai Tawachera, will be charge of the “Ninjas” when they play Black Rhinos at Sakubva.
Chiefs’ last won a league match on February 13, when they stunned champions FC Platinum 2-0 at Luveve.
Since then, they have lost three and drawn two.
However, Tawachera believes his charges can rise to the occasion against a Black Rhinos side that is winless in the last two rounds of action.
“It’s all the same in terms of approach. We train every day; we want to win and meet the objectives of the club.
“It’s not a secret we haven’t been doing well of late, and we are not happy with it,” said Tawachera.
“Looking at the experience we have in the team, everyone knows his role and this (winless run) has raised their spirits.
“They (players) want to go and win this game and correct what we have done.
“We demand everyone to work hard,” he said.
Bulawayo Chiefs welcome back top striker, Obriel Chirinda, who missed the club’s last two matches through suspension.
Chirinda was red carded during the club’s 0-2 loss against Dynamos at Barbourfields three weeks ago.
The “Ninjas” will, however, still be missing the services of Perfect Chikwende who was shown a straight red when Bulawayo drew 0-0 against ZPC Kariba at Nyamhunga a fortnight ago.
“Perfect (Chikwende) is still serving his red card, and this will be his last match out.
“Obriel (Chirinda) is back and it’s good for us, setting the tone for a very good weekend.
“We are raring to go,” said Tawachera.
“The return of Obriel is a very big boost, considering we haven’t been scoring many goals of late. He is our top striker; he is working hard and his presence has increased morale in the camp.
“We all know what he can do.”
Tawachera added:
“Expect no major changes, we believe in continuity. We believe in the way we do things, but after losing we might want to touch here and there to correct our mistakes.
“But we don’t promise major changes, we believe in the way we do things.”
Bulawayo Chiefs are 12th on the log with nine points from eight matches.
They will be banking on the experience of the Moyo twins, Kelvin and Elvis, Kelvin Madzongwe and right back, Ian Nekati.
A lot is also expected from rising midfielder, Mthokozisi Msebe, who has arguably been the club’s best player so far.
Skipper Malvin Mkolo, Sipho Sibanda and goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya are all available for selection.
