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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

BLACK Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa believes the resumption of their old rivalry with Herentals in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League will be like any other match they have played in the league so far this season.

The two sides rivalry dates back to their days in the ZIFA Northern Region Division One championship race which Black Rhinos won in 2016 before Herentals took the honours last year.

Maruwa said he is expecting a tough encounter considering the consistency that their opponents have shown lately.

Herentals will come with the tails high after they won their last match against Ngezi Platinum Stars in a Chibuku Super Cup last weekend.

The students prevailed 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out lottery after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

“This is going to be an interesting match and we are looking forward to collect maximum points.

“We have been together in the lower league and know each other better so everyone will have a point to prove especially after the first round nil-all draw.

“The game is going to be tough as Herentals have been consistent but we are not going to read much into that,” said Maruwa.

“Chauya Chipembere” is a wounded Buffalo after they were dumped out of Chibuku Super Cup by a shock 2-1 defeat to Nichrut at the weekend.

“I think fatigue is getting the better of us as the games were coming too fast. I think we may need to rest some of the players who are showing signs of fatigue and since we have registered 30 players it’s good that we give others a chance.

“There is need to refocus as we wasted a one-nil lead to concede two own goals through complacency and I don’t think we will have that again,” Maruwa said.

Herentals are coming into the match a much fancied side as they have defied all odds by etching some important results especially in the second half of the season.