Tsholotsho coach Lizwe Sweswe says his team should not be counted among the relegation candidates despite being third from the bottom.

Sweswe believes his team has the pedigree to mount a challenge in the second half of the season and stay afloat. Izoqolo Zezhwane who had a flirtation with relegation again last season have managed only three wins in 14 matches losing nine times and drawing twice but Sweswe reckons the convincing 3-0 win over Hwange last week was the turning point.

“Make no mistake, we are not going under. We are here to stay," said Sweswe.

“People should not read much into our position because there are some circumstances beyond our control which affected us. We have the pedigree to rise and even if you analyse all the matches we lost, we were not dismal,"

The Tsholotsho coach was unfazed by the departure of star player Butholezwe Ncube and impending move of inspirational captain William Sitima as they have able replacements.

" One of things that give me so much is seeing my players go for greener pastures. Despite being a coach I am also good at identifying talent, if you look at the likes of Gerald Takwara, Simbarashe Gorogodyo, Edmore Chirambadare I identified them and brought them into limelight,".

Tsholotsho have been facing financial problems with Tsholotsho Rural District Council taking over the running of the team from businessman Mandla Manyathela. The Naughty Boys take on Mutare City in a rearranged fixture next Wednesday at Luveve stadium.