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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HEAD coach Philani ‘Beefy’ Ncube has placed his faith in youngsters to drive municipal side Bulawayo City in the Premier Soccer League.

City put up an improved performance in the second stage of the Chibuku Super Cup, losing once to Chicken Inn and drawing with Highlanders and Bulawayo Chiefs. In the first leg, they lost to Chicken Inn and Bosso and drew against Chiefs.

It was that second stage of the tournament that impressed Ncube and made him start believing in youngsters.

Some of the youngsters Ncube used in the second-half of the tournament include goalkeeper Manners Mangumba, who joined from army side Indlovu Iyanyathela, defenders Mpumelelo Bhebhe and

King Khumalo, midfielders Elshama Farasi, Andre Nakai Siziba, Melikhaya Ncube, Ntobeko Moyo and utility player Leslie Lunga.

“Football is about youngsters, it’s all about development. So, we can’t keep on recycling the same players that got certain teams relegated.

We have to plan for the future and these youngsters are full of ambition and can aid our cause. Senior players will guide the youngsters,” said Ncube.

City yesterday welcomed back to training four players from injury, goalkeeper Aaron Ndlovu, midfielders Tawanda Zinaka, Welcome Ndiweni and Alton Ndlovu, who started light training as the side continues with preparations for the league.

“We’re fortunate that we still have time to work on the team before the league starts. These guys coming from injuries sustained last weekend against Highlanders will continue with light work and start full contact training on Monday,” said Ncube.

He said the Chibuku Super Cup gave them a clear view of what to work on.

The PSL has postponed the start of the league, giving City more time to get their preparations right. The league was scheduled to start on October 30, but it has now been pushed back to an unknown date. Ncube said they are working on fitness, psychology of players and combinations.

He is confident that they will get their act right when the season starts.

“I think we have got time for players to have recovered enough when we start. We would have covered the grey areas and our first game will give us confidence, hoping that we get maximum points,” Ncube said. — @ZililoR