Bikita Minerals interim coach Arnold Jani expects to lose some of his players after the team made a good impression in the first 14 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches of the season.
The mid-season transfer window opens next month and Jani foresees top teams raiding his newly promoted side.
Bikita Minerals have been the surprise package of the season so far as they currently sit 10th on the log standings with 18 points.
Their fairytale start to the season includes shock wins over league giants Caps United and title-chasing Simba Bhora.
Bikita Minerals have already suffered the consequences of that excellent start to season after their coach Saul Chaminuka was snapped up by GreenFuel last month.
Jani, who was elevated to take over from Chaminuka on an interim basis, is resigned to losing some key players in the upcoming transfer window which opens on July 1.
But he had a defiant message as he is focused on further strengthening his squad to make sure that they achieve their target of finishing in the top half on the log standings.
“I can't really disclose what is happening behind the scenes but with the way we are playing, our players have attracted a lot of attention from other clubs,” Jani said. “Im sure we are going to lose some of our key players during the transfer window period. But we are also going to look for new blood to bolster the squad so that we meet our season’s target.”
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Asked about the club's season objectives, Jani revealed some lofty targets that they have set for themselves in their debut top flight campaign.
“We want to remain in the Premier League and possibly finish in the top half. For us it would be good. With the way we are playing, it's very much achievable,” Jani said.
Bikita Minerals signed a number of “rejects” getting into the top flight, but most of the players have caught the eyes of suitors after putting on a stellar performance.
Winger Chris Makambira has been the brightest spark for them, while veteran midfielder Allan Gahadzikwa has been superb.
Striker Evans Katema is reborn, and the forward scored his sixth goal of the season in Bikita Minerals' 1-1 draw against Herentals on Saturday.
Another veteran Praise Tonha also turned the hands of time with a polished performance in that rearranged fixture against the Students and so was captain Courage Bera and striker Liberty Masveure.
The Bikita-based side dominated the larger parts of the game with some crisp passing football but were let down by poor finishing.
But it was their overall display that left their fans happy and neutrals purring.
“If you don't have a team to support, try Bikita Minerals. Thrice I have watched them against Yadah, Caps United and Herentals. They make watching football worthwhile. Bikita Minerals is only small in name,” remarked popular photographer Libertino after the Herentals game.
