UNITED Kingdom-based former Warriors winger Maxwell Dube has tipped a prolonged Premier Soccer League (PSL) stay for returnees Chapungu.
MICHAEL MADYIRA
The airmen made a return to the elite league at the end of last season to end a six-season stint in Division One.
It was their second spell in the second tier league since the turn of the millennium after spending the 2004 season in Division One. Dube, a legend at Thornhill Airbase, wants Chapungu to cement their PSL status.
“I wish them a successful season,” said Dube.
“In order for them to stay in the league, the technical team and players should have targets for this season. This should be their first priority. Their target is to finish in the top eight, if not 10. That will be a good achievement for them.”
The 37-year-old enjoyed personal success at Ascot Stadium and was selected as the country’s best player in 2001.
An Ascot darling known for his dribbling, Dube was also blessed with pace and shooting prowess.
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“They should make Ascot their hunting ground. No team should come out with three points. Maybe a point would be the best for travelling teams,” he said.
“They must also try and win half of their away games and draw at least five away games. Then they would be guaranteed a place in the premiership next year. I wish I was there because these legs still have got some magic to offer. I just lack match fitness.”
Visits to Ascot by traditional giants Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United usually numb the home crowd.
“Playing against these teams should be self-motivating and that is the best way to beat them. These big games provide the players an opportunity to shine,” said Dube.
“They should never be intimidated by their large crowds but score first to silence them. The opposition will then make a lot of mistakes and it would be easy to capitalise on that. Big teams are easy to beat in my view.”
Dube’s confidence stems from 1993 when, as a fresh-faced teenager from high school, he struck a brace to help Chapungu dispatch visiting Highlanders 4-1 with Jonah Chigwinya and Thomas Banda grabbing the other goals for the hosts.
He was also instrumental in Chapungu’s 4-2 win over CAPS United on April 23 2006 when in a moment of magic, he scored from the centre circle to cleanly beat the then Caps goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro. Chapungu have retained most of the players who helped the team earn premiership status last season.
Striker Brighton Mugoni has returned to the John Nyikadzino-coached side after spending last season on loan at Black Rhinos.
Goalkeeper Roy Mazingi and defender Blessed Mbavaira joined from Shabanie Mine while former Zimbabwe youth international Maxwell Mavhuto returns to his hometown Gweru after dumping Tripple B.
