Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS have been dealt a major setback ahead of their blockbuster clash with FC Platinum at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday, veteran shot-stopper and club captain Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda is OUT!
The trusted goal minder, a pillar between the sticks and veteran of countless Emagumeni battles, has been ruled out after picking up a knock during training. Now, Bosso must face a resurgent FC Platinum side without their first-choice goalkeeper and on-field general.
“It’s a minor injury, but he will not be available for Sunday. He has not been training,” confirmed Highlanders gaffer Kelvin Kaindu, who also revealed that seven players picked up knocks during their 2-0 win over Yadah Stars.
In Ariel’s absence, the gloves could go to either Reward Muza or Raphael Pitisi, both untested in such a high-pressure clash. Meanwhile, the iconic captain’s armband will shift to no-nonsense defender Andrew “Tower” Mbeba, who just returned from his own injury layoff.
Mbeba featured in Bosso’s last outing, helping them secure all three points. But with FC Platinum licking their lips at the chance to exploit an Ariel-less Bosso backline, the heat is well and truly on. And speaking of heat, Bosso have turned up the thermostat at the turnstiles, announcing a sharp increase in gate charges for the highly-anticipated match. Fans will now cough up US$5 for standard entry, up from the usual US$3. VIP seats will cost US$10, while those seeking to flex in the VVIP zone must part with a whopping US$20.
The club says the pricing reflects the magnitude of the fixture, a showdown between two PSL giants and a revenge mission for Highlanders.
Last season, FC Platinum did a double demolition job on Bosso, 2-0 in Zvishavane and 1-0 at Barbourfields. This Sunday, it’s about redemption.
Highlanders sit fourth on the PSL log with 17 points, while Pure Platinum Play are eighth with 14 points. It’s tight at the top — and every point counts. This clash marks the 24th league showdown between the two sides. FC Platinum dominate the head-to-head with 11 wins, Bosso have six, and seven matches have ended in draws.
With the stage set, tension high, and a key general sidelined, all eyes turn to Emagumeni.
Will Bosso rise without Ariel?
Or will Platinum pile on the pain?
MATCHDAY 11 FIXTURES:
Saturday:
MWOS vs TelOne (Ngoni Stadium); Green Fuel vs Manica Diamonds (Green Fuel Arena); CAPS United vs Herentals (Rufaro Stadium); Ngezi Platinum vs ZPC Kariba (Baobab Stadium); Bikita Minerals vs Yadah (Gibbo Stadium)
Sunday:
Kwekwe United vs Chicken Inn (Bata Stadium); Scottland vs Simba Bhora (Rufaro Stadium); Triangle United vs Dynamos (Gibbo Stadium); Highlanders vs FC Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium)
