With the 2013 Castle Premiership preparing to start, time will tell if the same is true about the promoted quartet of Black Rhinos, Triangle, Tripple B and How Mine.
Will they shed enough chuff and stay in the topflight beyond their debut season? Do they have the power to defy the force of gravity that has previously claimed the scalps of Zimbabwe Saints, Quelaton and Hardbody? They might but history says the odds are heavily stacked against them.
During the past few years of the PSL, very few newly-promoted clubs have survived the dreaded chop at the end of their debut season and most of those that have, have fallen in their next couple of seasons.
The likes of Blue Rangers and Bantu Rovers are good examples. So, Chauya Chipembere, Sugar Sugar-Mbembe, Tshintsha Magiya and Chikurupati, having opened their new pages, now have a challenge of filling them with positive history.
While analysts back the army side to stay afloat, at least beyond the coming season, they do not give the same chances to the other three.
Former junior national teams coach, Phillip Mbofana, still believed the bookies may have got it wrong and thought that Triangle should be counted in the surviving lot.
“I think Black Rhinos and Triangle will do well,” said the former national Under-20 and Under-23 coach. “Triangle has never been in the PSL before but I think they will be a surprise team of the season. They will score many sensational victories in their backyard. With the
addition of experienced players like David Kutyauripo, Limited Chikafa, Pardon Chinungwa, Nyasha Mukumbi and Marven Samaneka, they have what it takes to claim big scalps. Add to their new additions the likes of David Sengu, Richard Kawondera and Leo Kurauzvione and the Gishon Ntini-led side are a formidable outfit. They also have the advantage of a strong financial backing.”
He also believed the experience in Black Rhinos could win the season for the army side, which is well known for its kick-and-run type of football.
“Rhinos are a seasoned side, boasting PSL experience that will give them the even-keel over their fellow new boys,” added Mbofana. “Chipembere also boasts the experience and talent of veteran grafter, Lazarus Muhoni, Martin Mine, Lloyd Nyamadzawo, Walter Masenda and Brito Gwere. Coach Nesbert 
Saruchera is also a highly-experienced coach, who will carry the day for the soldiers. In a nutshell, it will depend on the sponsorship they have for motivation and attracting more quality.” He also gave the nod for Tripple B coach, Friday Phiri, the man who brought Monomotapa to the PSL. “His acknowledgment of the challenges ahead proves he is ready for war. He recently spoke of beefing up his squad, which we know very little about at the moment.”
The two sides have reportedly invested heavily in player recruitment during the off-season to show their will to float rather than sink. Mbofana believes the two clubs may be in for a long slog against perennial survivors, Black Mambas, Shabanie and Hwange.
“I think it will be a difficult season for How Mine and Tripple B, who have been too quiet so far, while the established teams like Hwange, Mambas and Shabanie might
also find it tougher this year,” he added. Soccer commentator, Muziwethu Hadebe, was also full of praise for Chauya Chipembere, expressing high hopes for the Harare side.
“Rhinos only need finance to become a winning machine because on the pitch, they have what it takes,” said Bulawayo-based Hadebe. “They are not new comers in the PSL and their experienced coach already knows where he is heading. I think they will stay up. They’ve got fantastic support and only a few changes will make them a complete topflight side.”
However, Hadebe doubted that luring more players would help Triangle.
“That the Sugar boys have been busy is a good start but I have my doubts about their mentor, who has always struggled in the PSL. I don’t believe we will see any miracles from How Mine either because, besides targeting Zephania Ngodzo, they have remained silent on their mission in the PSL, with coaches Sheunesu Chaka and Jeremiah Makota adamant that they will retain their Division One championship side,” added the broadcast journalist.
“The job Chaka has done for the club is fantastic. Giving them their first ever major promotion into the PSL, it’s brilliant. He looks a fantastic manager but he must not get carried away and should start moulding his side into a PSL outfit. I don’t know much about Tripple B, but they have also been quiet and not taking anything from them, they should step up their gear. I hope they will do a great job there.”
Post published in: Football