HARARE Gunners head coach Moses Bambo Chunga remains optimistic of leading his side to their first Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in only their second season in top-flight football, despite crashing to a humiliating 1-3 loss to Shooting Stars last Wednesday. (Pictured: Moses Chunga -- We will not continue worrying about the loss but keep our focus on the next games.)
Affectionately known as Chando Kupisa (hot ice), Gunners served their expectant legion of followers a surprisingly lifeless performance on a blazing hot afternoon at Gwanzura Stadium, leaving many among them doubting their pedigree as emerging PSL champions.
But Bambo is not ready to throw in the towel just yet, brushing aside last weeks defeat to Shooting Stars as an unwelcome setback but one that he and his charges are not going to allow to ruin what still promises to be a history-making season for them.
These are things that happen in football, we played badly but we will not continue worrying about the loss but keep our focus on the next games, said Chunga.
Gunners marched onto the pitch at Gwanzura as leaders of the championship race on 49 points with Harare giants and seasoned campaigners, Dynamos, trailing them by two points before their crucial 2-0 victory over Hwange at Rufaro Stadium on the same day.
The victory over the coal miners saw Elvis Chiweshes troops leapfrog Gunners and establish a one-point cushion ahead of Chando Kupisa.
Talking to The Zimbabwean on Sunday after the match, Shooting Stars head coach Lloyd Samaita Mutasa, tipped his former team Dynamos to win the ultimate prize although he acknowledged Gunners special qualities that have taken Zimbabwes top flight league by storm this season.
Every dog has its day, the position that they (Gunners) are in is still good to compete for the championship title but I would want to believe that Dynamos will win because they have been there and they will use their experience over Gunners,” said Mutasa.
Chunga however is maintaining his cool, refusing to be intimidated by the Glamour Boys return to winning ways after a troubled two-week period during which DeMbare appeared to be losing their nerve with a string of mediocre performances that saw them drop crucial points.
We will not worry much about what will happen elsewhere but what will happen in our camp. What happens in other matches elsewhere will not have much of an impact on us if we continue to play well, said Chunga.
We want to keep focused on our remaining matches, which are all tricky because we will be playing against teams that are out to maximise their points for the title and also bottom teams that are seeking to survive relegation.
Gunners remaining fixtures are against a stubborn Lengthens side, champions Monomotapa, relegation-threatened Highway and a crucial clash with DeMbare that could decide who takes the season.
Meanwhile, Dynamos are still to face bitter rivals Highlanders for the big battle of the cities in Bulawayo. They also have a tricky dates with unpredictable Shooting Stars and an Kiglon.
Post published in: Football