HARARE City coach, Mike Madzivanyika, says his mission is to ensure that his men are competitive in the Castle Lager Premiership this year.

Madzivanyika replaced Mkhupali “Mr Cooper” Masuku who is now the team manager although his technical input into the team will be guaranteed.

Sportszone.co.zw is reliably informed that the Sunshine Boys have agreed terms with former Dynamos assistant coach Philemon Kutyakureva to become Madzivanyika’s assistant.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday ahead of their season opener against Yadah Stars on Saturday at the National Sports Stadium, Madzivanyika said he was ready for the assignment.

“Our expectations are high. We hope it is going to be a good season for us. We want to finish as high as possible. Every team wants to win the championship,” he said.

“Yadah are coming from Division One and we cannot underrate them.  We don’t know much about them but we have prepared for that match.''

They lost Ronald Chitiyo, Raphael Manuvire and goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube but signed Malvern Gaki, Pritchard Mpelele, former ZPC Kariba forward Protasho Kabwe, Munya Sakho and Tinashe Vilakazi.

“The replacements are good enough. We would have wanted them to be around, but they decided to leave after their contracts expired,” he said.

Harare City skipper James Jam said the high turnover of coaches will not affect them since football is one language.

The season-opener is set to start at 3.30 pm at the giant facility.