NEWBOYS Sheasham are targeting a fast start in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League when they date perennial title contenders Chicken Inn at Mandava stadium this afternoon.
Sheasham will host Chicken Inn in Zvishavane as renovations on their preferred home ground Bata Stadium in Gweru are ongoing.
They have a tricky run of fixtures in the first five matches of the season with matches against the Gamecocks, Dynamos, Yadah, Hwange and Green Fuel respectively.
However, Sheasham gaffer John Nyikadzino said he was aware of the tough task that his team have at hand but he wants to see his side set the tone for the season.
"We are ready but it’s always going to be a tough task. What’s important at this point is setting the tone. The first fixtures are always tough yet they are the most important. Chicken Inn are a big team. They have a great coach and everything, but we are focusing on getting a result that motivates us going forward,” the former Chapungu mentor said.
"It’s important for us to stay in high spirits and not focus much on how our opponents have done, in the past. We will give it our all."
Nyikadzino will be hoping that his experience in the topflight with Chapungu and then Nichrut will help his side stay afloat.
The former Airforce soldier powered Sheasham into the league from the Ruvimbo Funeral Central Region Soccer League without a single defeat.
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It is this record that motivates Nyikadzino going into the 2023 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
He will be banking on former Dynamos striker Tanaka Chidhobha to get goals for the new outfit, while last season's top-scorer Liberty Masvevure will be expected to pick up from where he left.
Former Chicken Inn striker Fizwell Madhazi will be one of their men to watch in their maiden, as is Diego Makurumidze formerly with Caps United.
Chicken Inn, now under the tutelage of Prince Matore will also be looking for a fast start as they aim to mount another title challenge having missed out last term when they finished second.
