Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZATEX coach Pearson Matare is optimistic despite his side dropping six points in the past two games in the Northern Region Division One soccer league which got underway two weeks ago.

The newboys have so far conceded seven goals after losing 0-4 to Ngezi and 0-3 to Herentals and are bottom of the table.

Today, they face another tough task when they meet seasoned campaigners Mushowani Stars in Madziva.

However, Matare, who moved from Lake Harvest, remains positive and said they will be out in full force as they battle for their first full set of points.

“I am just praying that it will be well, it’s only that I joined the team late. I joined the club just a week before the start of the league and definitely it has some effects but that’s the challenge I accepted when I took the job.

“So far, we are not getting results but it’s not an excuse for us to say Mushowani will beat us. We will fight to win and get a positive result,” said Matare.

The former Dynamos player said they need to make some adjustments to the team since their players are competing in Division One for the first time.

“Division Two was a lower league and now there is a lot of professionalism and we need to make some adjustments both technically and tactically.

“We are not that bad as shown by the results, we can rise. This is a new club, we don’t have any established players, so I am not ruling them out.

“So far, I have about five guys that are starting to do well so I think after four or five games the whole team should have adjusted.”

Mushowani are occupying sixth position with four points from two games and a win today will see them closing the gap separating them with the leaders.

They could even take over if the teams ahead of them drop points since all the top eight teams have four points and are just separated by goal difference.

Mushowani coach, Solomon Mudavanhu, said a lot was expected from the team but noted that his charges are in high spirits after winning their previous game against Blue Jets last week.

“The season is just beginning and a lot is expected from us after finishing third last year in the Northern Region league but so far so good.

“I think the players are responding well and judging by the result we got in Kadoma, it was encouraging and motivating for the guys and they are in high spirits,” said Mudavanhu.

Mudavanhu took over from Paul Chimalizeni during the pre-season preparations when the latter left the club to join Premiership side ZPC Kariba as team manager.

In other matches pencilled for today, Gunners clash against Blue Jets at Gwanzura while Black Rhinos host Darwin.

Today: Cargo Carriers v Karoi (GMB Aspindale), Blue Swallows v Dstv Rangers (Manyame), Ngezi Platinum v ZRP Morris (Baobab), Herentals v Starbill (National Sports Stadium), Mushowani v Zatex (Chaminuka Madziva), Gunners v Blue Jets (Gwanzura), Black Rhinos v Darwin (Rimuka), ZRP FC v Lake Harvest (Morris).

Tomorrow: Seven Flames v DC Academy (Rufaro)

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