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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MUSHOWANI Stars coach Paul “Popopo” Chimalizeni says Saturday’s victory over DC Academy could be the turning point for his club despite losing three key players in the past few weeks. The former log leaders, who are occupying fourth spot on the table, are one of the strong contenders in this year’s championship race in the World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league.

However, they dropped five crucial points when they drew against Bindura United, and went on to lose to Ngezi Platinum before they regained some ground on Saturday to dismiss DC Academy 2-0.

Mushowani, who lost the trio of attacking midfielder Emmanuel Pfundikwa, right backs Washington Kahuni and Elton Madamombe, brought on board seasoned midfielder Charles Chiutsa, who made his first appearance for the team on Saturday.

And Chimalizeni said the coming in of Chiutsa has brought some stability to the side.
“I can confirm the departure of Emmanuel Pfundikwa, Washington Kahuni and Elton Madamombe.

“Kahuni wanted to join Starbill while I don’t know about Elton’s whereabouts. It doesn’t affect the club because the majority of the players are still there.

“We are looking for a gunman and rightback but we have so far signed Charles Chiutsa from Black Rhinos and he played against DC Academy.
“He is a good player. His coming in has added some experience to the team, that is what we needed, and it has also brought some stability.
“He has played at the highest level, the national team and in the Champions’ League,” said Chimalizeni.

The Mushowani coach remains optimistic of a continued good run in their quest for success in the Northern Region Division One soccer league.
“I think we are back to the levels we started with, it was superb and marvellous.

“The guys are raring to go and if we keep working hard maybe we will get something.
“We just prepare for each game but we need to work hard so that we win our games.

“We are working hard to achieve our goals.
“When you have a destination you have to reach that destination and the destination is the championship,” said Chimalizeni.
Chimalizeni said they were hoping to have completed registration of two more players by tomorrow.

The former leaders are trailing current pacesetters Gunners by five points with one game to go before the end of the first round fixtures this weekend.