By Ray Bande
MUTARE – Maverick gaffer Moses “Bambo” Chunga believes that Buffaloes’ survival in the Castle Lager Premiership will not depend on results from other matches during the final rounds of league matches next weekend.
The domestic Premiership takes a break this weekend to pave way for the Chibuku Cup final pitting FC Platinum and Harare City at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane.
However, the soldiers find themselves, once again, in real danger of getting relegated and results on the final day of the season will determine whether the team enjoys a fourth successive season in the country’s top flight league.
That Chunga is not a novice to relegation dog-fights gives the Mutare side reasonable hope that the legendary former Warriors’ captain will steer the ship to safety.
A defeat for Buffaloes in its final match of the season against Hwange at Sakubva Stadium next weekend and victories for teams below them on the table will leave the Mutare side heading for Division One.
But Chunga thinks his team is capable of winning against Hwange and secure their place in the 2015 Castle Lager Premiership season.
“I really cannot wait for the man next door to do the job for me. We will have to do it ourselves. We just have to win against Hwange and ensure that we survive.
“Yes, we are not in a good position and what makes the matter worse for us is that our colleagues have money and we don’t.
“If one does not have financial muscle, it gives other competitors an advantage.
“However, I believe it is high time that people realised that Nyathi haisi mombe (Buffalo are not cattle). We still have our destiny in our own hands. It is up to us to make or break when we face Hwange on the final day of the season,” he said.
The former midfield genius conceded that his team has been struggling to get results in recent weeks but vowed to turn the tables on the final day of the season.
“Our recent results have not been good and Hwange has been posting some impressive results, but the final match of the season is a different ball game altogether. There will be different aims and expectations hence the approach will be a different one,” he said.
Chunga, however, lamented on the number of injured players in camp.
“As we speak, the team resembles a hospital. We have quite a good number of players who are on the injury list especially in the midfield and central defence.
“That is going to be a challenge, but we sincerely hope that the situation will improve before we face Hwange,” said Chunga. Manica Post