By Eddie Chikamhi
Gunners coach Moses Chunga has told his youthful outfit to go out and enjoy their game when they host title contenders FC Platinum in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Lafarge on Saturday.
Chando Kupisa have had a remarkable turn-around since Chunga joined them mid-way through the
season and moved from the basement of the log standings into sixth place. However Gunners’ magnificent run which includes eight wins and two draws in their last 11 games with Chunga in charge will come under close scrutiny from their championship chasing opponents.
FC Platinum opened a four-point lead at the top and are coming to Harare with revenge on their minds following the 3-0 humiliation they suffered at Mandava when Gunners were still coached by Darlington Dodo.
The expensively assembled Zvishavane outfit who are chasing the title in their maiden season have bagged 49 points in 25 games and cannot afford to slip up in the championship race with seasoned campaigners Dynamos not far behind in the home stretch.
“I wouldn’t like to talk about our opponents but personally I don’t think this should not be viewed as an extraordinary challenge for us. We are prepared as usual and we hope to go out there and enjoy ourselves,” said Chunga.
Gunners have been in fine form and winning games in exciting fashion. They had a bad start languishing at the bottom of the table early in the season but have since recovered and collected 26 points from 11 games, which translates to 79 percent success.
They are still in high spirits after winning their last three games against Monomotapa, Masvingo and relegation candidates Kiglon whom they could have beaten by a bigger margin had they managed to take their chances.
“In my eyes I think we have achieved much and we hope to continue with our good performances. But we are not going to put the players under pressure to finish in the top four or top three. If we manage that then that would be a bonus. We have already done enough to move from the bottom of the table to where we are now. It is a fruit of teamwork.
“Credit to the players for turning their potential into results and I also think being left to my own devices has created space for us to work and achieve what we can,” said Chunga. Gunners beat Kiglon 1-0 in their last game courtesy of Mitchell Katsvairo’s strike early in the first half.
Chief striker Leonard Fiyado who missed the game could be back in the starting line up hoping to increase his tally from eight league goals.
“We have young talent in abundance and there are several players who can play on any given day. Every team has its policy and sometimes it’s tactical,” said Chunga. FC Platinum are coming with their heads high in their newly found form after winning two games on the trot against Blue Ribbon and Black Mambas.
Fixtures
Friday
Monomotapa v Hwange (Rufaro)
Saturday
Blue Ribbon v Zimbabwe Saints (Rufaro), Black Mambas v CAPS United (Morris Depot), Shooting Stars v Chicken Inn (Gwanzura), Gunner v FC Platinum (Lafarge)
Sunday
Dynamos v Highlanders (Rufaro), Shabanie Mine v Motor Action (Maglas), Kiglon v Masvingo (Gwanzura).
