By Onward Gangata
GWANDA PIRATES coach, Johannes Ngodzo is expecting a tough match when his side faces neighbors, Blanket Mine on Sunday.
The derby, at Sabiwa stadium, is the headline fixture this weekend, in the Central Region Soccer League.
The former Highlanders midfield magician says Pirates are prepared to fight against their seasoned opponents.
“This is a derby yes, but for me it is another fixture,so i feel we need to be prepared,”he said.
“You know how derbies are,we have to prepare, play our game and concentrate on ourselves, of course it is not going to be easy, it will be difficult.”
The league’s new boys have been the surprise package so far.
Ngodzo’s men have impressed throughout the campaign, they are currently third on the log standings, eight points behind the leaders.
Although, he admits the two teams ahead of Pirates are very strong, Ngodzo remains unfazed.
He added that the level of competition is pushing his side to challenge for more and get better.
“It is not easy, these teams are pushing us, financially they are strong,” added the former warriors midfielder.
“But, we will compete with them, so far I believe we have really tried our best.”
‘We need more numbers’: Jame West
Meanwhile, fellow newbies, Jame West, have bemoaned their thin squad as the reason for a poor start to the season.
The Mberengwa side are currently 14th on the log standings with nine points.
And their coach Ashel Gutu believes they need to add a few players during the transfer window.
“I don’t have depth in the squad, we are looking forward to beefing up when the window opens,” Gutu said.
“It’s so tricky and hard to use the same players week in week out, it’s a challenge to rely on 18 players.
“But we will be there to fight and secure our place in the division.”
In their next match, Jame West hosts struggling MSU at Maglas stadium on Monday.
Other Fixtures: Sunday
Hardrock v Grain Tigers, Gokwe North v Chapungu, FC Platinum U19 v Dulibadzimu, Sheasham v ZRP Gwanda, Matobo v Tongogara, Dinson Mvuma v Bishopstone, Shabanie v West Nicholson.
