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Prince Mukuna and Nokutenda Chiyangwa
MUSHOWANI Stars have started to rebuild their team after they lost the bulk of the players who helped them finish fifth in ZIFA Northern Region Division One League last season.

The Madziwa-based side are now under the guidance of Paul “Popopo’’ Chimalizeni, who rejoined the team from Premiership outfit ZPC Kariba, where he was the team manager.

Chimalizeni took over the hot seat from Arthur Tutani.

The team started their pre-season preparations on a good note after they played out a goalless draw against Harare giants Dynamos at Rufaro on Sunday.

Mushowani Stars lost close to 10 players who include 2014 Soccer Star Zivanai Mhanda, Chamunorwa Makoni, Paul Chiramba, Charles Chiutsa, Tatenda Chidavaenzi, Tichaona Nyandoro, Thanks Chikwinya, Admire Mbulawa, Attoney Chinyanga and Innocent Mavhirizhe.

The team has managed to sign players like ZIFA Northern region Soccer Star of the Year finalist Sanny Savere from Banket, Norest Kasambiro from Trojan, Roland Kangadzi from Chitungwiza Municipality, Clemence Zimoni formerly with Herentals FC, Crybert Mubvuti, formerly of Harare City and was playing for Hwange last season, Dennis Kafelanjila from ZRP Morris as well as goalkeeper Blessing Madzimure from Eastern Region side Prime Rangers.

Chimalizeni said it is a rebuilding process as they are starting from scratch.

“It’s more like a new team, consisting of 11 to 12 players and they still need to get used to each other in terms of combinations.

“We are not there yet, I think by the time we start playing in the league we will be ready.

“As a rebuilding team we feel honoured to have played a practice match with a big team like Dynamos, we grabbed the opportunity with both hands to develop the players’ combinations and character when playing in the league and also against other big teams.

“We have several practice matches lined up, we are supposed to travel to ZPC Kariba this week so we are waiting for their confirmation and Buffaloes at Vhengere in Rusape before the season starts,” Chimalizeni.