adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
VETERAN defender Gilbert Banda has been ruled out of How Mine’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game against Black Mambas at Luveve Stadium this afternoon. Banda had a sterling performance during his team’s last league encounter when they beat Chicken Inn 2-1 a fortnight ago.
How Mine’s coach Philani ‘Beefy’ Ncube who is seeking his second consecutive victory since taking charge of the club last month said Banda picked up a knock in a training game against Chicken Inn last week.
He said they were looking forward to the Black Mambas game but was wary of the police outfit which beat Highlanders 1-0 at Morris Depot in their last league game.
“Our preparations have gone well for the game against Black Mambas and the boys are raring to go. Black Mambas are a good side and we respect them just like any other team but we are looking forward to picking up maximum points to make sure that we maintain our fight against relegation.
“The only players that will miss the game are Gilbert (Banda) who is recovering after he was injured during our training game against Chicken Inn and Xolisani Moyo who has three yellow cards,” said Ncube.
In the absence of Banda, Hebert Dick who missed the league encounter against Chicken Inn due to suspension is expected to partner Nyasha Mukumbi in central defence while Ocean Mpofu will fill Moyo’s void.
Other players to watch from the How Mine’s side include Menard Mupera, returnee from trials Simba Sithole, Brighton Dube and Sizalobuhle Dube.
Black Mambas will not be pushovers and they will bank on scorer against Highlanders Paul Marazanye, former Highlanders winger Nhlanhla Ncube, Evans Gwekwerere, Honey Chimutimunzeve, Tsepo Ranthokoane and Last Chibwiro.
Meanwhile, in the other PSL match today Tripple B play Caps United in Harare.
The Tripple B coach Peter Manoti is hopeful that his charges will get a positive result at the National Sports Stadium.
Some of the players expected to start for Tripple B include striker Aleck Marime, Julius Daudi, Dion Homela, Tapiwa Mafunga and Maxwell Mavhuto.
“Caps United have been playing well and we are also trying to avoid relegation and a positive result will certainly be a boost for us in our quest to play Premiership football next season,” said Manoti.
Fixtures
Today: How Mine v Black Mambas (Luveve), Caps United v Tripple B (National Sports Stadium)
Online Reporter