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Paul Mundani in ZVISHAVANE
JAIROS Tapera has called for unity and asked the Shabanie Mine family to pull in one direction if they are to survive relegation. The plea comes ahead of an important encounter against Black Rhinos tomorrow in Kadoma which they must win to keep their hopes of surviving alive.

Shabanie lost to How Mine at home in the last match and the defeat created a rift between the players and the fans.

“We need to bury what happened on Wednesday and focus on our game on Sunday,” said Tapera.

“We must rally behind whoever is chosen to don the maroon and white jersey.

“The game is going to be very tough because if Rhinos win they will brighten their chances of survival.”

There has been confusion in the Shabanie Mine camp after their fans gave their leadership and coaching staff an ultimatum not to field goalkeeper Victor Twaliki.

The Shabanie executive have failed to pay the players’ salaries and winning bonuses and there are some fans who have questioned Twaliki’s performance in the loss against How Mine.

Twaliki, however, scored the solitary goal from the penalty spot.

Captain Zvenyika Makonese left the team before the How Mine game to attend a Level 4 coaching course in Bulawayo without informing his paymasters.

Rhinos believe they could still survive the chop.

“A team that takes its chances will win the match, but I know Shabanie are playing very well despite their recent home defeat,” said Rhinos assistant coach Gift Kamuriwo.

“It will be a tough match and any team can win that match.”