adminBruce Chikuni
WHAWHA striker, Jayden Bakare, has insisted they thrive on being underdogs and has warned Highlanders they will have a tough examination at Ascot tomorrow.
Luke Petros’s troops are in the drop-zone, with 15 points in 20 fixtures, and a victory over Bosso will boost their relegation survival hopes, should other teams above them, drop points.
The Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional Service side have been struggling for consistency and it appears they have been grinding better results against the league’s top eight teams.
Bakare is not only making a big statement, for the Rookie of the Year award, but he is on the verge of writing his own piece of history to become WhaWha’s first player to scoop the Golden Boot award.
The 19-year-old is just three goals behind the leading goal-scorer, William Manondo, who has bagged 11 goals for CAPS United.
“We are all waiting for the game, playing against Highlanders is something we can never take lightly and the fixture on its own demands us to be at our best.
“Highlanders are a top side, they have been performing well and we know they have names who can change the complexion of the game at any given moment.
“We have enough respect for them but we are not scared, we are going to play for maximum points,” said Bakare.
He added:
“We haven’t given up yet, we have enough chances of surviving relegation, but as players, it’s high time we push ourselves to the limits.
“When we beat Chicken Inn 3-0, no-one gave us a chance and we are going to enjoy not having the pressure on our shoulders once again.”
Highlanders coach, Baltermar Brito, reiterated the result of the game was likely to be impacted by the state of the pitch.
Bosso are unbeaten in their past eight assignments and Brito is yet to taste defeat in three matches he has taken charge.
The Portuguese import is leading his men to Ascot, beaming with confidence, following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Manica Diamonds, last weekend.
Bosso edged WhaWha 2-0 at Barbourfields in the reverse fixture.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter