THE Midlands-based franchise Rhinos have a perfect record against Mountaineers at Mutare Sports Club, but the hosts' head coach Stuart Matsikenyeri is determined to change that in the Pro 50 Championship final today.
Mountaineers won the Logan Cup for the second successive season under Matsikenyeri's leadership, but this is a different competition, posing a different challenge.
However, the goal remains the same – to win.
"Home advantage? Rhinos have won the last encounters against us here in Mutare, so they are due a loss here," Matsikenyeri told The SportsHub.
"However, we love playing in front of our home support, which we believe is the best in the country on the domestic level."
As a pragmatist, Matsikenyeri chose to keep his game plan close to his chest.
"I can’t give away much there. But really, we just need to trust the process that got us to the final. We have identified specifics to nullify the Rhinos' charge over the season."
Matsikenyeri is confident that his team can handle the pressure of playing in front of their home crowd.
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"We love the home crowd. No pressure there, just good positive energy. We want the Pro 50, and we have been chasing it. We feel it’s time to bring it home."
On the other hand, Rhinos head coach Adam Chifo is confident that his team can sharpen their horns and gore Mountaineers off the title.
"Every final has its nerves, and this is our third final in a row. We are very confident at the back of having had a very good season as a team, coupled with some brilliant individual performances," Chifo said.
Chifo has a clear plan for the final.
"We have a very clear plan, that of giving our best on the day in all departments while enjoying ourselves," he added.
He is happy to return to Manicaland, a home away from home.
"We were in Mutare a few weeks ago, and we actually enjoyed playing there. We got enough armour in all departments to dominate them," said Chifo.
"Obviously, they will have some home advantage, but we feel we are equally in a good position as well."
Chifo praised his players for their exceptional performance throughout the season.
"Credit goes to all the players who have gone and played their hearts out every time we have walked on the field," he said.
"Special mention to Antum (Naqvi), Ben (Curran), Brad (Evans), Mike (Chinouya), Tashinga (Musekiwa), Nyasha (Mayavo). The whole team did exceptionally well, and I am proud of them."
The stage is set for an exciting encounter between Mountaineers and Rhinos. Will Mountaineers be able to exorcise their home ghost, or will Rhinos continue their dominance? The answer will be revealed today.
