FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Rufaro Starlets will be hoping to finally break their home jinx when they host reigning Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League champions Herentals Queens FC this Sunday at Mucheke Stadium.
The Masvingo-based side has endured a difficult start to the season at home, suffering heavy consecutive defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Correctional Queens and a 6-0 hammering by Chapungu Queens.
Despite their struggles at Mucheke Stadium, Rufaro Starlets managed to bounce back last weekend with a narrow 1-0 away victory against Faith Drive Academy in Mutare, boosting confidence within the camp ahead of the tough clash against the defending champions.
So far this season, Rufaro Starlets have failed to collect maximum points at home.
Their two victories have both come away from home while they have lost three matches overall.
They have collected six points from a possible 15 and currently sit on position 11 on the latest league standings.
Their opponents, Herentals Queens, come into the match sitting second on the log standings after winning four matches and drawing one in their opening five games of the season.
In a telephone interview with The Midweek Watch, Rufaro Starlets head coach Langton Giwa admitted the club’s poor start was partly caused by inadequate preparations before the season.
“We did not have a pre-season training camp because we started our preparations late. The team had not yet secured funding,” said Giwa.
He, however, believes the recent away victory has restored belief within the squad.
“About the consecutive defeats, it is part of the game you win some and lose some. In terms of confidence, the girls now have confidence going into this week’s match against Herentals. We are approaching this game very seriously, and the girls are ready for it,” he said.
Giwa also confirmed that his squad has no major injury concerns heading into Sunday’s encounter.
“The team do not have any serious injuries. As a coach, there is always pressure because every coach and every team wants to win,” he added.
Rufaro Starlets now face arguably their biggest test of the season against a Herentals Queens side determined to maintain their dominance in the women’s top-flight league.
