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Innocent Kurira, [email protected]

PREMIERSHIP debutants Chegutu Pirates have warned Highlanders not to underrate them when the two sides clash in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.

Chegutu Pirates coach, Day Gutu made a bold statement that they will not be pushovers and Bosso have to expect nothing but a hard duel.

“We respect Bosso as our big brother but we don’t fear them. For us to be counted in the league, we must beat the best and garner points on the road. So, a victory over Bosso will get us that respect,” said Gutu. The Premiership new boys have for long readied for the match, in what Gutu described as a job well done so far, before they get on the road to Bulawayo.

“Preparations have been sailing smoothly. Morale is high at camp. No injuries and the players are as fit as ever. What pleases and motivates us, is that we have been getting our monetary dues on time. It’s up to us to deliver. The boys must just humble themselves and remain focused,” the coach said.With motivation high among players, Gutu said they would not be intimidated by the legion of Highlanders fans at Barbourfields Stadium. He rated Bosso as the second-most supported team in the Premiership.

“Highlanders is the second most supported club in Zimbabwe. Chegutu Pirates are not far away from being in the top five most supported clubs. It’s going to be interesting when we play Bosso. I know their fans are passionate. We have played in front of bigger crowds before in Division One, so we are not going to be intimidated.”

In their opening four games, Chegutu Pirates have won once, lost two games and managed one stalemate. Gutu said their start to the season has been slow. We gave the teams that we played with too much respect and we paid dearly.

“This time, from our side, respect must be earned on the field of play, not to be given on a silver platter. Hopefully, we will get a positive result against Highlanders. We will work to pull a win away from home,” said Gutu.
Highlanders are undefeated this season having won three and drawn one of their opening four matches. – @innocentskizoe.