Chapungu, Whawha in battle for Gweru this weekend

Whawha are confident of running away with city bragging rights when they host Chapungu in a Gweru derby in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Ascot Stadium on Sunday.

Coming into the fixture, Chapungu boast of an imperious fifth league placing, eight points behind leaders Chicken Inn, while the prison wardens are on position 13, four points above log anchors Dongo Sawmill.

The Premiership debutants have had a toiling campaign so far in the league, but they have shown that they can stand to be counted against imposing opponents with victories against Dynamos and FC Platinum.

Going to the two-week break which was meant to allow national teams enough time for international games, both sides went for the breather licking wounds on the backdrop of defeats.

WhaWha were the victim of a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Buffaloes, while Chapungu lost to league pacesetters Chicken Inn.

However, Whawha head tactician Lloyd Mutasa is confident his charges will get maximum points against their city rivals.

“It is very important to collect maximum points in a derby match and I am sure we have the pedigree,” Mutasa said.

“Our team is in a good shape. All the players are available for selection and we know the importance of this fixture to us.
“We are in the murky waters and we quickly need to climb up. I think we need to win more considering our position on the log standings.”

Chapungu coach John Nyikadzino was rather cautious ahead of the league confrontation.

“A derby is always a tricky fixture and it is always difficult to predict anything, so we will see how it unfolds on match day,” Nyikadzino said. “We are preparing thoroughly for the game and so far in our camp, we do not have any injury worries ahead of the match.” - NEWSDAY