shloboe boe
Fungai Muderere
IT’S going down in Gweru this Saturday — and it’s not just any PSL fixture. Highlanders FC are on a mission to disconnect TelOne’s “WiFi Boys” at Bata Stadium, but they’ll have to do it the hard way, with seven players across the league booted out of action due to suspension!
In a dramatic twist that’s shaken this weekend’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League line-up, seven players will sit out due to disciplinary cards — a brutal blow to their respective teams.
OFF THE PITCH:
• Mpumelelo Bhebhe (Chicken Inn)
• Lawrence Mhlanga (Manica Diamonds)
• Tapiwa Chilenga (TelOne)
• Tanaka Shandirwa (CAPS United)
• Ansa Botchway (Scottland FC)
• Mathew Murambiwa (MWOS)
Bosso, meanwhile, breathe a sigh of relief with no suspensions, though they’ll still be without skipper Andrew Mbeba, who’s nursing an injury.
“We’ve got almost everyone back in training except Mbeba,” said coach Kelvin Kaindu. “But the spirit is good and the boys are ready.”
All eyes, however, will be locked on Washington “Goal Machine” Navaya, TelOne’s in-form striker, who’s already banged in seven goals in as many matches. But this isn’t just another match for Navaya — it’s personal.
He’s facing his former side Highlanders and Coach Herbert Maruwa has warned the 1.81m goal poacher not to let emotions boil over.
“He must stay calm and do what he’s been doing all season — score goals,” said Maruwa. “We know it’s a big game. Bosso are giants, but we’ve got a solid side and we’re coming to compete.”
TelOne sit fifth on the log with 11 points, just one ahead of Highlanders in seventh, setting up a spicy top-eight battle that’s guaranteed to spark fireworks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
• Bosso’s “MaNinja” Ncube, Faira (fit again), Mason Mushore and predator-in-chief, Never Rauzhi
• TelOne’s midfield general Bruno Mtigo, former Dynamos hardman Frank Makarati and ex-Manica Diamonds hitman, Tawanda Macheke Across the league, PSL fans are in for a blockbuster weekend.
WEEK 8 FIXTURES HIGHLIGHTS:
• Saturday: TelOne v Highlanders (Bata), CAPS v Yadah (Rufaro), Ngezi v Bikita (Gibbo), FC Platinum v Triangle (Mandava)
• Sunday: Dynamos v Kwekwe United (Rufaro) – old guard vs new blood!
It’s pressure, passion and points up for grabs as the PSL table starts to take shape. And in Gweru — either the WiFi gets unplugged, or Bosso gets burned!
derick.khumalo