CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League table leaders, Hwange head coach Nation Dube attributes the current rich vein of form to continuity as his side retained the bulk of last season’s players. SUKOLUHLE MTHETHWA SPORTS REPORTER
Hwange have had a good start compared to the previous seasons.
In 2011, the coal miners collected seven points in the first seven games of the season.
That was after playing a goalless draw with Gunners, losing 1-2 to Masvingo, drawing nil all with the new defunct Kiglon and Dynamos.
They played a 2-2 draw with Monomotapa, lost 2-3 to Shabanie Mine before they collected their first three points in a 2-0 win over Shooting Stars.
However, despite the slow start, Hwange managed to soldier on and finished the season on position four and booked a slot in the Caf Confederations Cup.
The following year, Hwange beat Quelaton 4-3, drew 1-1 with FC Platinum, lost 0-2 to Hardbody, beat Buffaloes 1-0 and drew 2-2 with Blue Rangers.
Hwange beat Dynamos 4-2 before they collected maximum points in a 2-1 victory over Black Mambas meaning they had grabbed 11 points from seven games. Last year, Hwange played a draw with Motor Action, shared the spoils with Black Rhinos after playing a 1-1 draw. They were thumped 2-4 by Buffaloes, drew 1-1 with How Mine, lost 0-1 to Black Mambas.
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In their next encounter they beat Chicken Inn 2-1 before collecting a point after playing a nil-all-draw with Shabanie.
From a possible 21 points Hwange had only collected seven points. However, it is a different scenario this year as they have bagged 14 points from a possible 21. Hwange kick started this year’s campaign with a 4-1 thumping of Buffaloes.
With two goals down in their second league match against FC Platinum, Hwange staged a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 before drawing 1-1 with Triangle and Highlanders.
Hwange beat Black Rhinos 1-0 before they were handed their first defeat of the season in a 0-2 loss to How Mine at Luveve Stadium. They got it right on Sunday dismissing Bantu Rovers 2-0 at the Colliery Stadium.
The result saw Hwange return to top the log table.
Dube said he was happy with the overall performance of the team so far.
“The reason behind our success is because if you look at it, every season we lose quite a number of players. But this year it has been different because we have the core of the squad we had last year and we were joined by a few players. Continuity has helped us,” he said.
Dube also said they had received a lot of support from the club executive.
“The management has been very supportive. You find if I request that we go into camp management agrees. This gives me time to assess the players. In the past we used to regroup the day before the match, but it is different now. The players’ attitude is very good and they are focused. We just want to get positive results in all our games. Then everything will take care of itself,” he added.
Hwange lost players like Petros Mhari, Winston Mhango, Aaron Katebe, Allan Tavariswa and the highly-rated but under-performing Francisco Zekumbawire in recent seasons.
