The international break has come as a blessing in disguise for Bulawayo Chiefs, with the Ninjas using the pause in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season to regroup and prepare for the crucial matches ahead.
With six league matches remaining, as well as a Munhumutapa Challenge Cup fixture on the horizon, Chiefs are taking advantage of the break to address their weaknesses and strengthen the team ahead of the decisive stage of the season.
The Bulawayo side currently sits 12th on the league table and remains in danger of relegation. Head coach John Nyikadzino believes the break arrived at the right time for his team to work without the pressure of competitive matches.
“We can work on our weaknesses, work on our strengths. It’s the time to function as a team without pressure. We’re using this break to improve on the team so that when the games start, the team will be in the correct position to play well,” said Nyikadzino.
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Chiefs have struggled to collect maximum points against some of the teams lower down the table, but they have shown a different level of competitiveness against some of the league’s bigger clubs.
They were the first team to defeat Caps United during their 2026 unbeaten run at Rufaro Stadium before holding the Green Machine to a goalless draw at Luveve Stadium.
Nyikadzino, however, says the focus is not simply on producing good performances against the bigger clubs, but on building a well-organised and competitive team capable of getting results against every opponent.
“As coaches, our job is to be on the team, and mainly what is important is the structure and the positioning of the players on the field. So that is what we mainly work on,” he said.
“Looking at how we can play against every opponent. Once we get that correct, we give the players the desire to perform. The whole environment and the positioning of the team is very important.”
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