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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

AFTER losing two games in a row, ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League side Black Mambas coach John “Toto” Ncube will face another acid test when he comes up against in-form Simba Bhora at Wadzanai Stadium this afternoon.

The former Premier Soccer League police outfit, who are rebuilding, are looking forward to a change of fortune in this match.

Mambas lost their games against Banket United (1-0) and Golden Eagles (2-1) ahead of today’s fixture.

Tipped to a have a say in the championship race, Ncube’s side have not been convincing but, he says they are ready for the game.

“In as much as I respect Simba Bhora, who have a lot of experience in their ranks, we are looking forward to give them a good run for their money. In football we expect three results but, we cannot afford to continue dropping points.

“We have gone back to the drawing board and worked on our shortcomings. Our finishing let us down and we rectified that,” said Ncube.

For Simba Bhora coach Arthur “Tuts” Tutani, it will be a reunion with his former paymasters as he was once in charge of “Warumwa Warumwa”.

The seasoned gaffer, whose side could not travel for last weekend’s clash against Chegutu Pirates after the latter side had seven players who tested positive for Covid-19, said they want to continue with their fine form.

“Playing at home will give us an edge as people from Shamva have been supportive. We will do them a favour by winning the game. We had a break last weekend and that gave time for the players to recharge their batteries,” said Tutani.

Wadzanai Stadium has of late been getting large numbers of fans who will be cheering the Simba Ndoro-owned side.

The two sides are tipped to be the frontrunners for the championship race which has Herentals Under-20 as the current log leaders.

The ZIFA Northern Region Division One Soccer League will again this week have a limited number of matches as some teams are in quarantine.

Fixtures

Today: Simba Bhora v Black Mambas (Wadzanai), Golden Eagles v Trojan (Ellis Robbins), Banket United v Come Again (Kuwadzana), Karoi United v PAM United (Chikangwe).

Tomorrow: ZYS Academy v Herentals U-20 (Motor Action).