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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter—
BANTU Rovers have declared war on ZPC Kariba ahead of their clash at Luveve Stadium this afternoon. The match would be the first of an action-packed football fiesta set for Bulawayo this weekend. Other mouth-watering clashes to follow would be How Mine and Harare City tomorrow while on Sunday, Highlanders will renew their rivalry with FC Platinum as they face each other for the fifth time this season at Barbourfields Stadium.
Luveve Stadium will be the place to be this afternoon, as Bantu Rovers fight for dear life in the Premiership while ZPC Kariba will be out to defend their unbeaten run so far.
Tshintsha Guluva captain Nqobizitha Masuku yesterday warned visiting coach Saul Chaminuka of a hostile environment.
“We have to avoid back-to-back defeats, so tomorrow we have to win at all costs and there is no way we can lose that game. We know they are still unbeaten, but we are not worried about that. It would be a different Bantu out there which is ready to fight for maximum points,” said Masuku.
Masuku said his worry has been his side’s failure to stamp its authority in the early stages of the game, that has seen them falling behind and not recovering in most matches.
“We have to try to stamp our authority from the start because we lose most of the matches in the first half and every time we get back into the game it would be too late,” said Masuku.
Bantu Rovers gaffer Methembe Ndlovu said they face an uphill task against ZPC.
“It’s an uphill task that lies ahead of us but we are not worried about ZPC’s record or fact that their coach has not lost at Luveve.
“We have to continue to do what we do and I am hopeful that we will collect maximum points at the end of the day tomorrow,” he said.
Ndlovu said he would not be making many changes to the squad that lost to Caps United in their last encounter.
“The team is ready, there are no serious injuries so I think the side that played against Caps United would be the one most likely to play, but we will see,” he said.
Chaminuka said he is not worried about Bantu Rovers, as they want to play an open game.
“It’s one game we want to engage open play, we want to avoid draws so we are looking for a win. We know Bantu are searching for maximum points but we will do our best to stop them,” said Chaminuka.
Tshintsha Guluva veterans Sizalobuhle Dube, Obadiah Tarumbwa and Fortune “Fokoza” Ncube are expected to lead the Bantu Rovers attack.
Bantu would want to win to ease their relegation worries.
The power utility men will be pinning their hopes on Obey Mwerahari, Raphael Manuvire, Peter Muzondo and Limited Chikafa.
Tomorrow, the football fiesta continues as How Mine lock horns with relegation threatened Harare City at the same venue.
Philani Ncube’s outfit is oozing with confidence after going for seven games without a loss.
His How Mine are counting on the goal-scoring machine Kuda “Mashefu” Musharu to do what he has done well with ease in front of goal. He is leading the goal scorers’ charts with eight goals.
On Sunday, the epic clash between Highlanders and FC Platinum will wrap up the super football weekend for the City of Kings.
Bosso will be counting on their top attacking midfielder Charles Sibanda to deliver against his former paymasters.
Sibanda, who is on song after scoring a hattrick in the last outing, is expected to lead the attack with evergreen Milton “Milito” Ncube.
Rahman Kutsanzira, Valentine Ndaba, Welcome Ndiweni and Joel “Josta” Ngodzo will compete for starting slots with anchorman Erick Mudzingwa seemingly assured of his place.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn “The Gamecocks” have been stung by injuries ahead of their trip to Zvishavane to take on Shabanie Mine.
Tendai Mukambi is out injured while Danny “Deco” Phiri is on trials in South Africa and Ishmael Lawe saw red in their game against Caps.
“The team is raring to go and we are ready but it’s going to be a difficult game against Shabanie, as their home record speaks for itself, but I hope those available will do the job,” said Chicken Inn gaffer Joey Antipas.
Young George Majika, Toto Banda and outstanding Clemence Matawu will carry hopes for the Gamecocks to collect maximum points
Fixtures Today
Bantu Rovers v ZPC Kariba (Luveve Stadium, SS9)
Tomorrow
How Mine v Harare City (Luveve Stadium, SS9); Chapungu v Caps United; Black Rhinos v Buffaloes; Chiredzi v Hwange
Sunday
Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields Stadium, SS9); Shabanie vs Chicken Inn (Maglas); Dynamos v Triangle (National Sports Stadium)
derick.khumalo