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Midlands Correspondent
ARMY side Tongogara’s championship credentials will be put to test when they take on Shabanie Mine in a Zifa Central Soccer League fixture at Battlefields today.

The match is a battle between the league’s most potent attack and best defensive sides.

Shabanie Mine lie fifth on the standings with 23 points from 13 games and possess a lethal strike force that has netted 21 goals this season, while the soldiers have an impressive defensive that has let in only six goals.

Tongogara have opened a three-point lead at the top of the table with 30 points and would be out to extend their advantage. Their gaffer Ignatius Kapitapita said his side is not under any pressure and he is taking the game as any other. “We are taking the game as any other game and we are not under any pressure. Shabanie Mine is a good side but we are looking for a positive result,” said the former Black Rhinos midfielder, whose side has lost only once this season.

His Shabanie counterpart Tendai Chikuni, who assumed the reins at the asbestos miners following a surprise election process, is wary of the army team, but expressed confidence that they would leave the garrison with maximum points.

“Tongogara have been doing well, especially at home. They are on top of the standings and that on its own shows that they are a good side. However, we have to start believing in ourselves and start picking up points away from home. It would be a big confidence booster if we get a positive result,” said Chikuni.

His first game in charge of the asbestos miners was a 0-0 stalemate away to Blanket Mine.

Fixtures

Today: FC Platinum Under 19 vs ZRP Beitbridge (Mandava), Vumbachikwe vs ZETDC Southern Region (Colleen Bawn), Tongogara vs Shabanie Mine (Battlefields), Ivan Hoe vs ZPC Munyati (Amaveni)

Tomorrow: Blanket Mine vs Chrome Stars (Blanket), Border Strikers vs MSU (Dulibadzimu), Silo vs Gweru United (Amaveni), Sable Chemicals vs Mvuma Stars (Chrome)