Grain Tigers head coach Kudzai Mhandire believes the club's promotion ambitions will be decided by their ability to become more ruthless in front of goal after identifying the attacking department as the key area needing improvement during the mid-season break.

The Kwekwe side entered the Central Region Soccer League campaign as one of the early pace-setters, spending time among the top three before a difficult spell saw them fall to seventh place after 17 matches.

However, Mhandire insists the drop is not a sign of a collapsing campaign but rather a challenge that requires a calculated response as the club prepares for the second half of the season.

"We can always go back to the top four or better. Every team hits a bad patch; it's normal in football. The fixtures can also favour you in some circumstances," Mhandire told Zim Now.

Grain Tigers currently sit on 30 points, 11 behind leaders Blanket Mine, but with half of the season still remaining, Mhandire believes the promotion race is far from decided.

The coach's biggest concern from the opening round has been the team's output in the final third, an issue he believes has been addressed through transfer activity.

"We have definitely needed to boost our attacking third, which we have since done," he said.

The move highlights a shift in focus for the Tigers, who have remained competitive defensively but have struggled at times to turn good performances into maximum points. In a league where promotion battles are often decided by fine margins, improving their goal return could be the difference between finishing among the contenders or falling away.

Mhandire is not looking at the transfer window as a complete overhaul but as an opportunity to strike a balance between experience and youth.

"Results and development should always work hand in hand for the growth of the sport and the team, so yes, we are bringing in experienced players while developing the young lads," he said.

The coach also acknowledged that squad changes are unavoidable as clubs look to strengthen, although he ruled out unnecessary disruption.

"In reshuffling the squad, there are always departures to pave the way for incoming players, but there will be no unwanted departures."

For supporters who may have grown concerned after the team's slide down the standings, Mhandire believes the focus should remain on the bigger picture.

"Reviving is a strong word. We ain't out of the race. Fifty-one points are still there to be contested, and no one reached that mark in the first round of fixtures. It's still a long way to go."

His comments reflect the reality of the Central Region campaign, where consistency after the break could dramatically change the complexion of the table.

Despite calls for tactical adjustments, Mhandire says Grain Tigers will not abandon their football identity. Instead, the emphasis will be on adding a sharper edge to their existing approach.

"There is no change in style, but we are looking forward to complementing our style of play by scoring more goals than our opponents."

As the league resumes on August 1, Grain Tigers face a crucial period. Their challenge is no longer about proving they can compete with the top sides, but whether they can rediscover the winning habit that once placed them among the leading pack.