The ManicaPost
Sports Reporter
. . .Yadah, Buffaloes in tricky ties
THE riveting race for the Eastern Region Division One season of 2016 title once again faces a potential turning point when table topping Yadah FC travels to Masvingo to entertain unpredictable Mpandawana, while Buffaloes engage troublesome Surrey.
Until the end of the season, Buffaloes will have to make do without goalkeeper, Chengetai Tandadzai who sustained an ankle injury during the match against Yadah at Sakubva, but the Mutare outfit has enough cover in that position in Blessing Mwandimutsira who served the team even in the top-flight league.Buffaloes also suffered an injury scare after exciting midfielder, Roy ‘Apama’ Mwenga, injured his angle recently.
Mwenga’s absence could have been catastrophic for Buffaloes if it had lasted longer, given the dexterity, precision and skill the young Mwenga has shown in the middle of the park or even from the wings.
Apama, as he is fondly referred to by many a Buffaloes faithful, capped a stunning performance at Sakubva Stadium two weeks ago when his memorable brace sunk Yadah FC in a tightly contested top of the table clash. Thus Buffaloes gaffer, Ndega Matsika, has every reason to believe that his team will prevail against Surrey away in Marondera on Sunday.
“Yes, it is going to be a tricky one.
“Surrey are a good side and they deserve the respect of every team in the league. However, we are going to play for maximum points. We can no longer afford to drop even a single point given our position on the table.
“Talking about our team, I think we have a formidable outfit that can challenge for top honours. We have the arsenal we need to get good results. While we would have loved to have Chenge Tandadzai, it is unfortunate that the young man will be out of action up until the end of the season. We have enough cover in that position. We are happy with the return of Roy Mwenga. He started training this week and I know he will be of great value to our cause,” said Matsika.
He bemoaned the prevalence of mind games and dirty tricks in the race for the title.
“The only worrying thing in this campaign is that there is now too much mind games and dirty tricks in the race for the title. It appears our competitors are not only taking part in their matches, but our matches too. We have noticed that and it is disturbing to be polite,” he added.
While Buffaloes shift their focus to troublesome Surrey, their bitter rivals, Yadah entertain Mupandawana away in Masvingo. While Mupandawana might not be a feared outfit on a normal day, the ticket for Premiership promotion playoffs at stake for Yadah FC is enough motivation for the Masvingo side to brew a shocker.
