“I believe we have done enough preparation for the coming season and will not be fighting relegation this time,” said Dube. “From what I have seen in the off-season, I can boast that I have a strong squad that is prepared to seal safety in the first few games and then start challenging for honours in the second half of the season. We are one of the most seasoned clubs in the league and it is high time we earned respect from the other clubs. We should not begin seasons being counted among candidates for relegation like the newly-promoted clubs.”
Apart from his playing personnel and early preparation, the former Chipangano captain believes his own experience coaching in the topflight should have a telling effect on how to tee-off early and go to the halfway stage among the best clubs fighting for the league crown.
“Everything has gone according to my plan. We began our preparations soon after the Christmas break and have kept all our key players from last season. We also have some players on trial and hope to sign a few of them to widen our selection base. You will also see some good young players, either promoted from our junior ranks or signed from some local lower league clubs,” added the Hwange coach.
He was happy that the club, which finished in 10th position last season, had also managed to keep high-profile defender, Eric Chipeta, who attracted interest from big clubs like Highlanders, after his inclusion in the Zimbabwe Warriors squad.
The PSL season is scheduled to begin next month, with Dube hoping to have finalised his list of players by that time.
Post published in: Football