By Prince Chese
As Dulibadzimu United prepare to face Gokwe North this Saturday, 1 November, at Dulibadzimu Stadium in a Central Region Division One fixture, the team is rallying behind a renewed sense of purpose to restore belief among their supporters.
Dulibadzimu Liaison Officer Knowledge Nyoni said this weekend’s match is the perfect opportunity to lift the spirits of their fans and turn the tide in the second half of the season.
“If there’s a time we could put smiles back on our fans’ faces, it’s now,” said Nyoni.
“We want to give them hope that come next season, we’re leaving no stone unturned. We urge them to come in large numbers to rally behind our boys.”
Nyoni described Gokwe North as a “wounded buffalo” a team desperate to prove a point but said Dulibadzimu is ready for the fight.
“Unfortunately, they’ve caught us at the wrong time. We’re going for three points only,”he said.
He also called on supporters in Venda,
“Vhathu khavhade, vhadi phine nga bola ḽa nṱhesa fill Pagomba to the rafters!” (Let the people fill Dulibadzimu Stadium and enjoy top football).
Dulibadzimu Team Manager Fednard “Mashefu” Matete echoed Nyoni’s sentiments, stressing that the team must now play with purpose and discipline.
“The boys are making schoolboy blunders. They must start playing for the badge, for the supporters, and for themselves,” said Matete.
Despite admitting their recent form has shaken supporters’ confidence, Matete believes a win this weekend could be a turning point.
“We’re preparing well and looking forward to our first win of the second round. We need these three points to finish in a respectable position,” he said.
The two sides last met in the first round where the game ended in a 1-1 draw but this weekend, Dulibadzimu United are aiming for nothing less than victory.