FOR Bikita Minerals coach Wilson Mutekede, the memory of last season’s relegation escape is a stressful one.
While he successfully steered the club to safety on the final day, it was an experience he never wants to repeat.
Today, as his Lithium Boys prepare to host Highlanders at Gibbo Stadium, Mutekede’s mission is clear:To get out of the “stressful zone” as quickly as possible.
This afternoon’s encounter is more than just a game. It is a six-pointer in the fight for survival.
Both teams are tied on 29 points, just two points clear of the relegation cut-off.
A victory for either side would provide a crucial cushion and an invaluable psychological edge in the final stretch of the season.
Mutekede, a former Zifa technical director, knows the challenge ahead, but is confident in his team’s ability.
“We have equally good chances of surviving relegation like everybody else,” he stated, highlighting the need for his team to fully utilise its home advantage.
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Of their remaining nine fixtures, five will be played at home, a factor the coach believes is key to their success.
“If we can do justice to our home games and perform well, we will be able to survive.”
His optimism is also fuelled by the return of key players from injury.
“I’m happy the boys, some of them are recovering now,” Mutekede said.
“We had two, three playing off-fit in the last game.
“When we get to really improve in terms of the conditioning part, we are likely going to play better and give a good account of ourselves.”
The team’s recent performance also provides a reason for hope.
Last week, they showed remarkable resilience by snatching a crucial 1-1 draw against Ngezi Platinum Stars with a late equaliser.
The point, Mutekede believes, is a sign of things to come.
“Coincidentally, we survived with a point from Ngezi last year,” he said.
“The point we gained there was very crucial.
“We have every reason to believe that if we do well in the remaining nine fixtures, we should be able to push out of that very, very stressful zone.”
The coach is rallying his players to be warriors on the pitch.
“We have to put everything on the line and fight for every ball. We can’t afford the repeat of last season’s drama. It’s time to put in the hard work and make our mark.”
Club captain Courage Bera shares his coach’s determination and fully understands the magnitude of the match.
For him, facing Highlanders is a true test of a player’s mettle.
“Playing against Highlanders is what makes you a true Premier League player in Zimbabwe,” Bera said.
“The atmosphere, the stakes, the adrenaline rush—it's all amplified when we step onto the pitch.”
The captain admitted that the pressure is palpable, even affecting his appetite.
“The nerves are real. It sounds like the anticipation and excitement are getting to you,” he said.
“I often experience a loss of appetite before the Bosso games due to nerves or adrenaline.”
Beyond the all-important three points, Bikita Minerals will also be looking for revenge.
They lost the reverse fixture 1-0 at Barbourfields and are eager to settle the score on their home turf.
With both survival and pride on the line, today’s match promises to be an epic battle at Gibbo.
