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Harare City come into the match with their tails up following back-to-back wins over 2011 league champions Dynamos whom they shocked 1-0 before accounting for Black Mambas 2-0 three days later while Tshilamoya’s last two matches produced nil-all draws that saw them drop four points.
However, Bosso’s assistant coach Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu, does not want to read much into those two draws.
“The team is playing well and even though we have not scored, chances have been coming and all we need is to bury them and I am quite sure the boys will do that,” said the former defence stalwart.
Ndlovu has been in charge of the team this week in the absence of head coach Kelvin Kaindu who was attending a course back home in Zambia.
He, however, revealed that the team is likely going to miss the services of Masimba Mambare and young Arnold Ndiweni who picked up injuries during this week’s training.
On the other hand though, Highlanders will welcome Lawson Nkomo, Bhekimpilo and Milton Ncube back to the fold while Heritein Masuku aggravated his arm injury again.
Asked whether he was going to make any positional changes or even the style of play, Ndlovu said Kaindu was the head coach and all he did was to implement the strategies and therefore the supporters will still see the same style of play.
“I am an assistant who implements set programmes. As Highlanders, we have our own unique way of playing and the boys understand that philosophy so as long as we are still the coaches, and Kaindu the head, we will use the same techniques that have seen us win.
“We are not going to change from our offensive style of play,” said Ndlovu.
Bigboy Mawiwi, the man who plotted the downfall of DeMbare, refused to throw in the towel and accept defeat even before the first whistle as he believes his boys will match their more illustrious opponents man- for-man.
“I know some teams have tried to minimise damage when playing against Highlanders by being defensive but as Harare City, we are not going to do that. They clap us we clap them back and that means attacking from the first whistle,” said Mawiwi.
He said he has never watched Bosso in action this week but believes their being on pole position is not by mistake but through good football and dedication from the players.
“It’s going to be an entertaining and open type of football. We want maximum points though,” said the gaffer.
In other games today, second-placed FC Platinum will want to keep within sight of Highlanders by coming up with maximum points when they take on unpredictable Monomotapa at Gwanzura Stadium this afternoon.
The platinum miners have not been convincing in their last two matches despite collecting maximum points against Quelaton and Blue Rangers.
Tomorrow, an injury-plagued Shabanie Mine play host to Adam Ndlovu’s Chicken Inn in a match that is likely going to leave spectators asking for more.
Chinda Boys coach Luke Masomere, while admitting that the injuries came at the wrong time, refused to surrender and put up a brave face ahead of the visit by the Gamecox.
“Preparations for the game have been jeopardised after five of my regular players were injured and might not recover in time for the match against Chicken Inn which is a cause for concern,
“Of course, our rhythm in the field may be affected but not the results. We have enough cover to fill the shoes of the injured players and I am confident that we will collect maximum points,” said Masomere.
The Bulawayo side will be without skipper Herbert Dick who has been given compassionate leave to attend to his ill sister back home in Kadoma but in his absence, Ndlovu will throw in Guide Goddard whose partnership with stand-in skipper Felix Chinduwo has been a marvel to watch.
Goddard though, needs to work on his weight which is rather getting too much for a central defender.
A high level of mental strength will be required from the Hwange players when they play host to Motor Action at the Colliery Stadium while their supporters should now show true and undivided support to the boys.
Fixtures:
Today: Black Mambas v Gunners (Morris Depot); Monomotapa v FC Platinum (Gwanzura)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v Harare City (BF); Hardbody v Blue Rangers (Ascot); Buffaloes v Quelaton (Sakubva); Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas); Hwange v Motor Action (Colliery).
Online Reporter