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LIZWE SWESWE

Ricky Zililo in Tsholotsho
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League newboys Tsholotsho FC are confident ahead of their season’s opener against Harare City in the capital on Friday. Speaking on the sidelines of their kit and squad unveiling ceremony at Tsholotsho Business Centre last night, the club’s gaffer Lizwe Sweswe said they are looking forward to their debut dance in the topflight. Not even a power blackout that hit Tsholotsho moments before the start of the event could dampen the mood as the club’s enthusiasts came in their numbers to witness the unveiling.

“The time is now for us to prove our mettle and be counted among men in the country’s top league. Our immediate objective is to make sure that we pass the Harare City test and grab at least a point. Losing will certainly drain our boys but we are ready for the challenge,” said Sweswe.

The side will wear an all black strip away and all-white at home.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour, Sicelo Dube, who is also Tsholotsho High headmaster and chairman of the committee overseeing construction of Tsholotsho Stadium said Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has pledged to pay for the team’s stay when they play their five games away in Harare this season.

Dube said Prof Moyo had done much for the team, now the community must also contribute towards Tsholotsho FC’s debut season.

Unlike other Premiership debutantes Whawha, Dongo Sawmills and Flame Lilly, Tsholotsho FC don’t have any big names in their squad.

Their only player with Premiership experience is Kudzanai Machazane who, however, made cameo roles for Bulawayo giants Highlanders in the second half of last season.

Sweswe said the challenge is on his novices to hold their own in the topflight.

“I believe in giving the boys a chance to showcase their talent and this is their opportunity to show Zimbabwe what they are made of. They worked hard to earn a Premiership slot and let them enjoy the moment,” Sweswe said. The coach bemoaned the fact that his boys would train in Bulawayo saying that exhaustion would take its toll on them.He wished that the stadium, still under construction could be completed by mid-season so that they capitalise on home advantage.

“We’re grateful to Minister Moyo who took an initiative to make sure Tsholotsho has a good stadium that can even play host to bigger matches. Our hope is to play the second half here in Tsholotsho, with the people of Tsholotsho enjoying and sharing great moments with us.”

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mariyoni Chang, Godfrey Tewende, Marichi Nickel

Defenders:Dzvinyai Donald Ngonidzashe, Calvin Moyo, Ricky Tatenda Bota, Nkosilathi Moyo, Spar Dube, Thandolwenkosi Ncube, William Stima, McLive Phiri

Midfielders: Jeremiah Douglas, Evans Sibanda, Gerald Takwara, Dumile Siwela, Rodrick Mupfudza, Kriess Chitiyo, Proud Sibanda, Mncedisi Gumede, Ocient Ncube, Qaphelani Ndebele, Simbarashe Gorogodyo, Zanokhanyo Moyo, Butholezwe Mzomsuthu Ncube, Ayanda Blessing Ncube

Strikers: Chomwetcho Eriko Phiri, Kudzanai Machazane, Delight Chivunduko,Chisepe Lynoth Chikuwa, Nixon Gama