SHABANIE MINE head coach Luke “Vahombe” Masomere says he is wary of Buffaloes as the two sides clash in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane tomorrow.
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Masomere yesterday said they beat Buffaloes in Mutare in the reverse fixture and the soldiers would not be in a mood to lose again at Maglas — and that alone posed a threat for Shabanie Mine.
The former asbestos miners dispatched Buffaloes 3-1 at Sakubva Stadium on May 26. “We won against them in Mutare and we are really worried about that. They are a big threat coming into Thursday’s (tomorrow’s) game and I know they will not be under any pressure. They lost at home so they would want to beat us at home as well, but we have prepared well for them,” Masomere said.
Shabanie Mine are on position eight on the log table with 24 points, just one behind Buffaloes and they will obviously want to win and dislodge the soldiers and take aim at the top six clubs with 11 matches remaining to the end of the season.
Their mid-season acquisitions Norman Maroto and Simbarashe Gate will be doubtful starters for tomorrow’s tie as they are injured, but Masomere said he was left with yesterday and today to assess Maroto who could make it into the team.
“Gate is definitely out with a hamstring injury while Maroto also has an ankle problem. But we will see if he will be part of the team tomorrow. We also welcome back (Bornface) Dimanji and Philimon Mudena who got injured last year. The two know our style of play and will definitely fit in,” Masomere said.
Shabanie Mine have in camp Fungai Chirinda, Caleb Masocha, Pervington Zimunya and Tarisai Rukanda who could carry the day for the former asbestos miners.
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Timothy Masachi, the Buffaloes coach, who took over from Saul Chaminuka said he will need nothing short of victory. “We are ready for Shabanie although Wonder Sithole is out with an injury. It is a must-win for us so that we also chase those teams that are at the top,” Masachi said.
They brought in three players mid-season, and these are Lloyd Katongomara, Prince Mudau and Benevolio Mukwena. The men to watch at Buffaloes are hard-running striker Jacob Muzokomba and the inspirational Prosper Matizanadzo.
