HARARE - When the season started in April it was easy to assume that the league’s traditional giants – Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United – would be the front runners for the 2014 castle Premiership title.
However, if the events that have unfolded thus far this season are anything to go by, then there are several dark horses lurking among the so-called small teams that have the potential to go much farther than people expect.
ZPC Kariba might not be a team that people were taking seriously as a real threat, but Saul Chaminuka’s men seem to be getting better with each passing game.
The Zimbabwe Power Company-owned side did not have the best of preparations during the off season and had to pay the league’s affiliation fee at the last minute following doubts over the team’s future to play top flight football.
A shot at the Castle Premiership title had never been part of Chaminuka’s plan this year, but after seven matches into the season , ZPC is not only surviving, they are thriving.
It is past time that ZPC receive the praise they are due and should be taken seriously. After their weekend’s 1-1 draw Highlanders, ZPC have sent a message.
Although Chaminuka played down his side’s credentials to fight for the championship, the truth of the matter is that ZPC are no longer dark horses but real title challengers.
“I wouldn’t want to say we have the credentials to win the league,” Chaminuka said after their game against Highlanders.
“We are here to avoid relegation as well as building a team for next season. Championship will be a bonus for us. We have experience in our team and we also have youths. We are working hard to blend the two.
“Very soon you will be seeing some exciting football. We have played all the big teams and we will now see how we perform against the so called small teams. Maybe a top four or eight finish is possible for us,” added Chaminuka.
ZPC Kariba’s season is now more likely to depend on how they flare against the other small teams in the league.
They have since shocked reigning league champions Dynamos 1-0, drew 1-1 against CAPS United, beaten Harare City 1-0 and forced a goalless draw against FC Platinum.
ZPC is third on the log table with 13 points and are trailing joint log leaders Hwange and Buffaloes by a single point. Kariba and Highlanders are the only two teams still to lose a match this season.