Sports Reporter
Grain Tigers FC coach Kudzai Mhandire says his side will approach Saturday’s Central Region Soccer League derby against Kwekwe United with confidence following a 3-0 victory over Dulibadzimu United in their previous league match.
Grain Tigers defeated Dulibadzimu United at Mbizo Stadium on Wednesday to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat to league leaders Chapungu FC four days earlier.
Reflecting on the win, Mhandire said his team had carried forward the positive aspects of its performance against Chapungu despite the defeat.
“I think we carried on from where we left off last week when we lost 1-0 to Chapungu. I thought we dominated that game and did many things well, but it was just not our day,” said Mhandire.
“Today we built on that performance and won convincingly.”
Attention now turns to Saturday’s Kwekwe derby at Baghdad Stadium, where Grain Tigers will face third-placed Kwekwe United.
United also head into the match on the back of a victory after defeating FC Platinum Under-19, 2-0 at Mandava Stadium.
Mhandire acknowledged the challenge posed by local derbies but said his team would remain committed to its style of play.
“Derby matches are always difficult. It is about how you handle the pressure as a team and as individuals. As local teams from Kwekwe, we want to give the supporters a match worth watching,” he said.
“As Grain Tigers, we have developed our own style of play and we will stick to it. We respect Kwekwe United, but we do not fear them because we are competing in the same league. We will prepare well for the match.”
The derby comes with both teams still in contention near the top of the Central Region Soccer League table.
After 14 matches, Chapungu FC lead the standings with 33 points, followed by Blanket Mine FC on 32. Kwekwe United are third with 30 points, while West Nicholson FC occupy fourth place with 29.
Tongogara FC are fifth on 26 points, ahead of sixth-placed Grain Tigers on goal difference despite both teams having 26 points.
A victory for Grain Tigers would strengthen their challenge for a place in the top four, while Kwekwe United will be seeking to maintain pressure on the leading teams.
Central Region Soccer League Top Six (After Matchday 14)
Chapungu FC – 33 points
Blanket Mine FC – 32 points
Kwekwe United FC – 30 points
West Nicholson FC – 29 points
Tongogara FC – 26 points
Grain Tigers FC – 26 points
