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Mandla Mpofu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BANTU Rovers have rubbished claims that they are now strong relegation candidates and declared that their road to recovery begins on Saturday when they square up against visiting Buffaloes at Luveve Stadium. The two teams have been donating points like confetti at a wedding and have slowly been sliding down the table and now find themselves face to face with the dreaded relegation bracket. Buffaloes, under Luke Masomere, are 11th with 14 points while Methembe Ndlovu’s flamboyant Bulawayo side are 14th with just 10 points but Tshintsha Guluva are putting up a strong face and boldly declared that they have never discussed relegation in their boardroom.

“Figures never lie, we are down yes but not out,” said Bantu Rovers assistant coach Mandla Lulu Mpofu yesterday.
He said they need to start picking up points and that journey will begin with the Saturday match which he said, was a must win for them with no margin for error.

“It’s going to be a tough match, make no mistake about that because Buffaloes have not won a match in a long time but we are prepared for them, it’s a must win for us,” Mpofu said.
Bantu Rovers come up against a side that has not tasted a win in four matches, setting the stage for a gruelling contest.

Said Mpofu, “I know people have already started labelling us relegation candidates but that does not worry us, we know we will get it right soon”.
He told Chronicle Sport that probably the gods have not been fair especially to the boys who have put all their effort only to find themselves on the losing side.

The Bulawayo side has been putting up good displays on the field of play but its biggest undoing has been the execution of chances and that has resulted in them losing games that otherwise they ought to have bagged maximum points from.

Mpofu said as the technical team they had been working around the clock to right those shortcomings.
The team is likely to welcome back Teenage Hadebe and Emmanuel Dube who have missed a couple of games due to injuries.

Both players are key members of the midfield department with very high work rates especially their marking.
“The two have since started full training with the rest of the guys and depending on other factors, we might have them on Saturday.

“Its always good to have a full squad to choose from than being limited to a few players due to injuries,” said Mpofu.
Meanwhile, Bantu Rovers will go on a shopping spree when the second window opens next month as they move to rope in quality and experienced players.

General manager, Wilbert Sibanda confirmed to Chronicle Sport that they need seasoned players but could not reveal their names as that would jeopardise negotiations.
“Call me next week when we have finalised our list but yes, we will definitely invade the market,” said Sibanda.

Bantu Rovers relied mainly on their youngsters but managed to register some veterans like Lawson Nkomo, Zephania Ngodzo, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Sizalobuhle Dube to provide the much needed experience.