By LAWRENCE TRUSIDA
BLACK Rhinos are looking forward to putting an early marker on the league by beating Caps United this weekend when the Premier Soccer League resumes.
Rhinos have four points from two matches, while their opponents managed two draws in two matches.
While the Green Machine were hit by industrial action by players owing to unpaid dues, Black Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa is not reading much unto that.
“We are happy with our preparations. It has been a long break and for us. We are starting afresh, but we are happy as we have a lot of new players and we want to do well starting with this game against Caps United and we are just reading that they haven’t been training, but for us we don’t know that it’s mind games. We are preparing hard for it,” he said.
The army side has signed five players in former Dynamos striker Ngandu Mangala, Keith Madera, Stan Murove and Blessing Maunganidze, while veteran striker Lot Chiwunga makes a welcome return after three-year injury lay off.
“It’s God’s doing. I am happy to be back and I promise the Lot you all know is back and I will score goals,” said Chiwunga.
Black Rhinos have however lost Tawanda Macheke who moved to South Africa, Leeroy Murape, Edgar Mhungu and Simba Makoni to other clubs, while captain Bruce Homora and midfielder Kudzanayi Dhemere are long term injury absentees.
Their weekend opponents, Caps United have since returned to training and will be keen to parade their new signings.
The match is set for Sakubva Stadium on Sunday, with Vhengere Stadium, Rhinos’ new home not yet ready to host matches.
In other matches, Chicken Inn will clash with Tenax FC on Saturday, while Bulawayo Chiefs will be up against FC Platinum on Sunday.