HARARE - When Chapungu returned to the Castle Premiership this season to end a six-year stint in the jungles of Division One football, very few gave them a chance to last the distance.
But 10 matches into the season, Chapungu have surpassed a lot of expectations. The air force side have turned their home ground Ascot Stadium into a fortress and are yet to lose even a single match there.
Chapungu might not be a team that many are taking seriously, but John Nyikadzino’s men are likely to have a say on the championship destiny.
A tilt on the Premiership title is and will remain a mountain to climb for the air force side, but how the chasing teams fair against Chapungu will go a long way in determining who wins the race come end of season.
They have since shocked defending champions Dynamos 1-0, drew 1-1 with Highlanders, and at the weekend they clobbered former champions CAPS United 3-0. Chapungu currently sit on seventh place with 14 points from 10 matches.
The story of Chapungu’s fine run thus far, however, could not be complete without mentioning their exciting winger Rodwell Mhlanga.
Mhlanga has been one of the standout players for Chapungu and at the weekend he scored a memorable brace to propel his side to a comfortable 3-0 over CAPS United at Ascot.
Despite not scoring regularly, Mhlanga has been one of the standout players for Chapungu’s run thus far.
The forward is enjoying the kind of form which can’t help but leave a player feeling content with his lot.
Mhlanga has started in almost every competitive game for Chapungu and could develop into an even better player.