Boost for Gunners as Zhuwawo recovers

Gunners coach Darlington Dodo and team manager Wellington Mupandare have been fretting throughout the week over the injury Zhuwawo, who scooped the soccer star of the year award last year after an inspired performance throughout the seasons that helped his club clinch the league title

The Gunners camp was, however, relieved just hours before their departure to Zanzibar after Zhuwawo who has been struggling with a knee injury passed a late fitness test to make the trip for the crucial tie. Gunners flew out of the country last Thursday morning ahead of their debut in the African Champions League.

Mupandare told The Zimbabwean on Sunday just hours before the team’s departure that Zhuwawo passed a late fitness test. “Zhuwawo has passed a late fitness test and we are travelling with him. He is a very experienced player whom we think will help to inspire the team. The team is in high spirits and we are ready for our opponents,” said Mupandare.

The Gunners’ camp was thrown into turmoil last month after head coach Moses Chunga quit to join rivals Shooting Stars after a fall out with the team management. But Mupandare maintained that morale was high in their camp despite the turbulence that followed Chunga’s sudden departure.

“Morale is very high in camp and the players are raring to go. We were happy with our preparations for this match and we are confident of beating Mafunzo FC in their own backyard,” said Mupandare.

Gunners are the only Zimbabwean side who are away this weekend with Lengthens are at home against Madagascar outfit AS Adema today in their maiden Caf Confederation Cup while CAPS United were scheduled to take on Mbambane Highlanders of Swaziland at Rufaro yesterday in another Caf Confederation Cup tie. But Lengthens will have to roll up their sleeves if they entertain hopes of going further in this tournament as they face experienced opponents AS ADEMA who have won the THB Champions League championship on two occasions, in 2002 and 2006.

In 2002 they also advanced to the quarterfinals of the CAF Cup before losing to Al-Masry of Egypt. They won a THB Champions League match against SOE Antananarivo by the amazing score of 149-0 on October 31, 2002. SOE scored 149 own goals in protest of a refereeing decision.

And, Lengthens whose preparations for this tournament have not gone well following their 4-1 destruction by CAPS United in the semi-final of the four team African Safari

Challenge tournament aimed at raising funds for the team’s representatives in Africa last weekend will have to be cautious in their approach against the Madagascar outfit.

Team manager Robert Matoka, however, said they were not reading too much into their opponents’ intimidating history and were ready for any one. “This is our first time to play in Africa but we are not scared about it. We respect them but we don’t fear them,” he said.