ZPC Kariba unleash unheralded players

Sport
AFTER pulling a surprise by pushing Dynamos to the edge in last season’s Premier Soccer League campaign, ZPC Kariba have left the local football followers curious on what they have to offer this year.

AFTER pulling a surprise by pushing Dynamos to the edge in last season’s Premier Soccer League campaign, ZPC Kariba have left the local football followers curious on what they have to offer this year.

BY MICHAEL MADYIRA

The Kariba-based side have been quiet on the transfer market, preferring low-key players.

Even coach Saul Chaminuka, who is an outspoken coach, has preferred to go into hiding from media attention. For a team that finished as championship runners-up last term in what was their debut PSL season, expectations were that they would attract best players on the land this off season.

But they had to endure the exit of key players Obey Mwerahari, Limited Chikafa, Ephraim Mwinga and Peter Muzondo. Chaminuka has opted to replace them with mostly unheralded players in Ishmael Chaminuka, Nigel Tinarwo, Tawanda Muchaya, Ben Ndembe and Piniel Manhope.

Former Dynamos utility player Thomas Magorimbo is the only high-profile player that has been brought in.

Retaining 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda who a few weeks ago had dumped them has been the major boost for ZPC Kariba.

They have also managed to tie down midfield sensation Pride Tafirenyika who committed one more season after weeks of speculation that he was headed for Dynamos. With what they have so far, they enter into the upcoming season with a modest team like the one that sprang into a formidable unit last year.

Despite other clubs being busy luring established players, spotlight would remain on ZPC Kariba this year as they would have to prove that their impressive run last season was no fluke.

“Who does not want to repeat what we did last year? Who does not want to win the league title? I would be more than happy if we can surpass what we did last year. The good thing is our performance last season was a foundation which we set ourselves so we just have to build on it,” said Chaminuka.

He says he is not yet done in building his team.

“So far I cannot say I am satisfied with the arsenal I have. I am still building a team and not clear about the full complement I will be working with. I am sure by Friday next week I would have finished crafting my side,” he said.

From the administrative side, there have been assurances that the team would enjoy strong support from the executive.

Spokesperson Shepherd Mandizvidza said the club would remain the competitive side that they were last season.

“ZPC Kariba FC believes in uniqueness in its approach to competitive football and is guided by the principle of showcasing top-notch style of management of football affairs that would also transcend other rival stables, as shown by how our players carry themselves in and outside the field of play. It is our avowed goal to maintain the tempo of excellence that our support base continues to grow beyond the obtaining levels,” said Mandizvidza.

“ZPC Kariba FC has retained a tally of 20 that are set to continue on their thrilling path in the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season. The squad has also been beefed up by a further six new signings to ensure that it achieves the required competitive and cutting edge in the premiership,” he said.

After spending the whole of last season playing at the adopted Gwanzura Stadium, this year they revert to their Nyamhunga home where they would enjoy the support of their Kariba-based fans.