Bulawayo City gaffer Mandla “Lulu” Mpofu has said he is prepared for a possible hostile reception at Maglas Stadium when his side faces Shabanie Mine this afternoon.
Lulu dumped the asbestos miners for Bulawayo City after initially agreeing terms with the Chinda Boys. The sad affair is still fresh in the Chinda Boys faithfuls who feel betrayed by how Mpofu left the job in favour of City.
However, the former Chicken Inn gaffer says he knows what awaits him at Maglas and has prepared himself for the sojourn.
“Well this sort of thing is expected in football and supporters being supporters will always give such hard times. If Shabanie Mine supporters are going to behave in such a manner then I am prepared for it,” he said.
Bulawayo City will be hoping to inflict the first defeat to the asbestos miners who are still to taste defeat.
Shabanie Mine held Caps United 1-1 at Maglas on the opening day of the season before humbling Highlanders 1-0 in their own backyard and will thus be heading into the match with a lot of confidence.
The match will be newly appointed head coach Takesure Chiragwi’s first assignment. He replaced Wilson Mutekede who quit his job after being appointed Zifa technical director.
Chiragwi admitted he was very aware of the demands of the job. “I know expectations are high especially after Shabanie Mine’s good start to the season.
‘I know what is expected of me at such a big institution and I promise the fans that I will deliver starting with the Bulawayo City game where I am targeting maximum points,” he added.