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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

FORMER Premiership side Harare City’s head coach Joseph “Shabba” Takaringofa is hopeful that they will get a positive result when they face Karoi United in a ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League match at Callies Sports Club this afternoon.

The NRSL match day four commences this afternoon and Harare City, who are one of the favourites to challenge for the championship after they were relegated from the Premier League last season, are anxious to step up after making a slow start to their campaign.

Takaringofa, who joined the club this season from promoted Green Fuel where he was Lloyd Mutasa’s assistant, has been mandated to bring the Sunshine Boys back to the topflight. Takaringofa yesterday said he was looking at nothing short of victory in their next game.

“This is a must-win game for us as we were very complacent in our opening matches. The boys were reluctant thinking that we would easily win games but the opening three matches were an eye-opener to them as they now understand that the game is played over 90-minutes.

“We have respect for Karoi United. They have been in the League for so many seasons and are known for causing upsets but we are not going to take that into consideration.

“The match will help us see how well we are positioned to challenge for honours. To be the best we have to stay within touching distance with those who are leading the race,” said Takaringofa.

However, Harare City will be missing pacy midfielder Timothy January, who is nursing an injury, while Zvikomborero Bizeki is also doubtful after suffering a knock during the Independence day match against Herentals Under-20.

Karoi United coach Levison Selous is also hopeful his team has been improving with each outing after losing the core of the side that played last season.

‘I think it is one game which, if we win, will boost our confidence going ahead. We have been improving with each passing game. First, we lost 3-0, then 2-0 and drew 1-1 in our last game, so we are improving. I think this is going to be our first win as we have managed to adjust after losing some of our key players,” said Selous.

Karoi United lost Darren Mutimuzunze to Black Rhinos, Blessing Makwiri to ZPC Kariba, Blessing Bobo (FC Wangu Mazodze) and Last Nyiredzi, who is now at Kwekwe United.

The quintet was the core of Selous’ backline for Karoi United last season.

Northern Region Fixtures

Today

Harare City v Karoi United (Callies).

Tomorrow

MWOS v Banket United (Ngoni), Commando Bullets v ZRP FC (Commando), Omonia v Shamva Mine (Kuwadzana), PAM United v Golden Eagles (Muriel Mine).

Central Region Fixtures

Tomorrow

TelOne v ZPC Munyati (Ascot), Amazon v Dulibadzimu United (Sun Yet Sun).

Sunday

CM Academy v Tongogara (Dulibadzimu), FC PlatinumU-19 v Chapungu (Gresham), Shabani Mine v MSU (Maglas), Bisopstone v Blanket Mine (Muchato), Kwekwe United v Loss Control (Bagdad).

ZIFA Eastern Region Fixtures

Bikita Minerals v FC Wangu Mazodze (Lithium), Ruwa v Masvingo United (Windsor Primary), Mutare City Rovers v Surrey Abattoirs (Sakubva)

Sunday

Midway v Grayham (Vengere), Rusitu Tigers v Buffaloes (Risutu), JM Busha 54 v FC Hunters (Chikondoma) Manica Diamonds U-19 v Chiredzi Stars (Sakubva)

Monday

Tenax v Renco Mine (Sakubva).