Gildah Soriano: The Beacon of Hope for Chipata United’s Survival
Gildah Soriano: The Beacon of Hope for Chipata United’s Survival
This weekend marks the commencement of week 33 in the FAZ National Division One, where the competition for promotion to the MTN Super League and avoidance of relegation intensifies with a fresh twist.
Known for its rigor and fierce competitiveness, the National League presents a challenging landscape.
The pivotal question now revolves around which teams will display enduring resilience to overcome the odds of the FAZ national league. With two teams already securing promotion to the MTN Super League and two teams confirmed for relegation, the focus narrows on the remaining two spots for promotion and demotion.
The promotion battle is currently contested among Atletical Lusaka, Indeni, and Young Green Buffaloes, while the relegation threat spans from the 7th position held by Mpulungu Harbour to the 16th spot occupied by Kafue Eagles, with a notable nine-point difference between them. However, teams like National Assembly, positioned 15th with 34 points, hold potential influence, having played fewer games than Mpulungu Harbour, who sits 7th with 43 points.
Week 33 fixtures carry immense significance for most teams, offering a decisive glimpse into their fate in either maintaining their status in the second tier or ascending to the MTN Super Division.
The pride of the Eastern province, embodied by Chipata United, finds itself embroiled in the relegation struggle. Sitting 11th in the standings, Chipata United requires a minimum of four points from their remaining two games to secure their continued presence in the National Division One. However, their fate also hinges on the outcomes of concurrent battles within the league.
Adding to the complexity, Chipata United’s final two fixtures are away encounters in the Copperbelt, spanning the friendly city of Ndola and the mining town of Luanshya.
Under the stewardship of a new manager, Chipata United has exhibited commendable form, clinching victory thrice, drawing four times, and suffering only one defeat in the eight games under his tenure. Assuming leadership amidst relegation concerns, the manager has steered the team to a relatively safer 11th position, albeit not entirely secure.
The team and its province stand firmly behind the manager, buoyed by victories against formidable opponents like Lumwana Radiants and Atletical Lusaka. These achievements instill confidence in their ability to navigate through adversity.
In a recent interview with Gildah Soriano, head coach of Chipata United, he attributed their success to a focus on the team’s mental fortitude and implementing a dynamic style of play emphasizing passing, progression, and pressing.
Looking ahead, Soriano emphasized the importance of survival in the league, with their fate resting on the outcome of their upcoming away fixtures. Despite challenges such as logistical constraints during away games, Soriano remains optimistic, citing the team’s unity, understanding of league dynamics, and a steadfast belief in their capabilities.
A rallying cry has been issued to Chipata United fans in the copper-rich province, underscoring the significance of their support in the team’s quest for survival, which ultimately hinges on their performance in the final two games.
