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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Sports Correspondent
AIRMEN Chapungu will play host to Bulawayo Chiefs at Ascot Stadium today as “Waru Waru” finalise their preparations for the new season.
Chapungu who finalised their squad last week will be looking at gauging their strength when they take on the Bulawayo side who will be making their second trip to Gweru.

The last time Chiefs were in Gweru they were 3-0 winners over Whawha who are making their Premiership debut when the season kicks off next weekend.

Chapungu vice chairman, Ackroid Moyo said today’s friendly will be their last before the season starts. He said they are aiming a top eight finish.

“We’re satisfied with the preparations we’ve had so far and the match against Bulawayo Chiefs is meant to round up those preparations where we’re expecting the coaches to work on their combinations after finalising their team for this season.

“As a club we’ve made our objectives for this season very clear. We want to make sure we finish in the top eight and at least be in the final of one tournament this year,” he said.

Chapungu are unbeaten during their pre-season preparations having drawn all three competitive matches they have played so far.

“Waru Waru” played identical one all draws against Highlanders and FC Platinum before settling for a goalless draw against reigning champions Dynamos at Ascot Stadium a fortnight ago.

The Gweru-based outfit have on paper one of the most competitive outfits which has a lot of experience.

The airmen who have discarded the majority of players who turned out for the club last season and roped in veteran defensive linkman Tafadzwa Mombeshora, former Shabanie Mine midfielder Marvellous Dikinya, winger Nhlanhla Ncube and young Moenda Machingambi.

Meanwhile, Gweru City Council have reiterated that renovations at Ascot Stadium will be completed before the season kicks off.

On Thursday, a council delegation led by councillor Moses Marecha inspected Ascot Stadium to review progress following recommendations by the Zifa Grounds Committee that the stadium needed to be renovated to meet the PSL minimum stadium standards.

“We’re doing everything in our power to ensure that the stadium will be ready when the games begin. As I speak we’ve made tremendous progress in terms of renovations,” Marecha said.

Chapungu squad: Roy Mazingi, Talbert Mthombeni, William Ngonya, Collen Kwaramba, Chamunorwa Kawondera, Blessing Zabula, Blessed Mbavarira, Moenda Machingami, Liberty Kim, Hillary Mugoniwa, Marvellous Dikinya, Tafadzwa Mombeshora, Maxwell Mavuto, Abton Chekai, Rodwell Mhlanga, Tinei Chitora, Gift Phiri, Nhlanhla Ncube, Philip Marufu, Tongai Magwendere, Allan Tavarwisa, Tawanda Mhlanga.