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HARARE – Saul Chaminuka, who coaches newly-promoted Castle Premiership side ZPC Kariba, fears his charges will be underprepared in the early stages of their top-flight due to a rocky off-season.
Chaminuka, who was CAPS United assistant coach last year, moved to Kariba at the beginning of the year to become head coach.
ZPC Kariba’s participation in the 2014 PSL was in doubt after government reportedly barred the power company from putting money into football in the wake of the country’s deepening economic crisis.
The club is financed by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), a parastatal responsible for supplying energy and related services in the region.
Chaminuka feels those disturbances have a negative impact on the players’ focus on the task at hand.
“We had our own challenges just like any other club in the Premiership,” Chaminuka told the Daily News yesterday.
“There were rumours that we might not participate and it affected our preparations a lot.
“It had a negative impact on our preparations. The input from the players was poor because there were in the dark.
“We couldn’t play enough friendly matches.
"I think we only played two competitive matches and we are coming up against teams that have been playing friendly matches against Premiership teams and other international clubs.
“We are actually going to use the first few matches to fine-tune our squad.
“I have a team of experienced players but the most important thing is how they are going to combine.”
The Kariba club has also been busy during the pre-season, strengthening its squad ahead of the new season.
Chaminuka recruited experienced players Norman Togara, Pardon Chinungwa and Limited Chikafa, who were at Triangle last season.
Obey Mwerahari, Caleb Masocha, Peter Muzondo, Tawanda Nyamandwe, Tawanda Munyanduri and David Rediyoni, Moses Makanje, Ben Nyahunzwi, Tsepo Ranthokoane and Tonderayi Mateyaunga have also joined the club.
