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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
MOTOR ACTION coach David George says they have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of Fifa Fair Play and have warned championship contenders Harare City that they should not expect points on a silver platter in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at Gwanzura this afternoon.

George yesterday said the 2010 champions, who now have a strong combination of youth and experience running the show in the team, hope to leave the big stage in a dignified manner and are seeking to collect points in their last three games.

The Mighty Bulls have nothing but their pride to play for but their threat should be taken serious after they stopped title aspirants Highlanders in their tracks following a 1-1 draw in their last league match.

George said he is still expecting maximum commitment from his players with veterans Godfrey Moyo and Passmore Bernard having been certified fit to play after recovering from knocks.

“We haven’t changed our approach. The fact that we are relegated doesn’t mean that we should take it easy.
“We are going to give it our best shot and people should not expect us to give up easily and lose 7-0.

“We have our pride to play for and these players should also do it for themselves so that they get noticed by big clubs. We also want to uphold the spirit of Fair Play, which makes football exciting,” said George.

Motor Action became the first team to be relegated this year following a turbulent season that was made difficult by a combination of financial instability and a player exodus.

But a host of youngsters like Walter Musona, Wisdom Mutasa and Collins Duhwa who joined the team during the mid-season transfer window have caught the eye in the second half of the season.

“The youngsters are very good. It’s only that they came when the house was already on fire and they couldn’t do much to save the team. The pressure was too much,” said George.

Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi has called for positive attitude from his players to contain the threat posed by Motor Action to keep their prospects bright in this tightly-contested Castle Lager Premiership race.

City have enjoyed an excellent run this year to find themselves among the front-runners alongside giants Highlanders and defending champions Dynamos who are also involved in some big matches this afternoon.

Mawiwi said it was crucial to collect maximum points in their remaining three matches of the season if they hope to win the championship.

He also warned his players against underrating Motor Action despite the Eastlea side having already been relegated.
“It’s all coming thick and fast now, for everyone. This is definitely a must-win game but we don’t have to deceive ourselves by looking at the fact that Motor Action are relegated. In fact such teams are difficult to play because they now have no pressure, they have got nothing to lose whatever the outcome.

“A team like Motor Action has a lot of youngsters who are eager to impress. Look at what they did against Highlanders in their last match. So we have to be prepared for a difficult game,” said Mawiwi.

City, who are only playing in their second year of Premiership football, are tied on 49 points with log leaders Dynamos with Highlanders trailing close on 48. But their confidence was rocked at the weekend when they lost to Highlanders in the semi-finals of the Mbada Diamonds Cup via a penalty shoot-out at Mandava after twice surrendering their lead.

Mawiwi said the defeat was a big blow and yesterday challenged his players to rise from the disappointment and switch their attention to the league where they still have bright prospects.

“The players need to understand that it was not the end of everything. That’s what I will be talking to them about. These guys need to be encouraged. I have confidence in them,” said Mawiwi.  However, Mawiwi should be disappointed that in the seven league games that followed, his side only managed to win two and played five draws. City are hoping to have a full squad available for this match except for Tongai Chiworeso who is out with a swollen shin.  Harare giants CAPS United will be looking to shore up their faint hopes in the championship race when they host Black Rhinos at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.

The Green Machine’s communications manager, Joyce Kapota, said they have pegged gate charges back at US$5 for the cheapest ticket.
“The last time we played at home we announced promotional fares of US$3 in the hope of attracting many supporters but we ended up running into huge losses since the same number of people that usually come to our matches was the same that attended.

Fixtures
Today
Dynamos  v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), Tripple B v Chicken Inn (Dulibadzimu), FC Platinum v Black Mambas (Mandava), Hwange v Buffaloes (Colliery), CAPS United v Black Rhinos (NSS), Harare City v Motor Action (Gwanzura), Highlanders v Triangle United (Barbourfields)
Tomorrow
Monomotapa v How Mine (Gwanzura)