Bosso can see Promised Land

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THERE is a strong feeling in the Highlanders camp that they are getting closer to the end of a dream season.
Even the absence of head coach Kelvin Kaindu, who left for England for a Uefa coaching course after their 1-0 win over Triangle during the mid-week, has not dampen their spirits.
But the Bulawayo giants face a big hurdle in their Castle Lager Premiership title aspirations when they clash with injury-ridden Harare City in their penultimate match of the season at Rufaro tomorrow.

City, who are also in the running for the championship, are bracing for what could be their biggest match since they were promoted to the Premiership last year as they find themselves with a huge task to stop Highlanders from running away with the title.

But injuries in their camp could be a huge factor as they are likely to troop onto the pitch without their talismanic midfielder Silas Songani, defender Willard Kalongonda and Tongai Chiworeso.

Bosso lead the log standings with 51 points while City are third on 50 together with second-placed Dynamos, with two games remaining in the season.

There is just so much at stake for the Sunshine Boys in this match, and also for their title rivals Dynamos and dark horses FC Platinum as well.

Highlanders assistant coach Bekithemba Ndlovu will lead the visitors into battle in the absence of Kaindu and yesterday the former Warriors defender sounded upbeat.

Ndlovu said they were preparing for a tough contest, obviously drawing the lessons from last week’s Mbada Diamonds Cup semi-final tie which ended in a 2-2 stalemate, after they twice came from behind in regulation time before they went on to claim victory after a penalty shootout.

“From what I saw last week I think Harare City are a very good team. They play very good football, which explains why they are in the top three.

“So we expect a tough and interesting game and obviously we will be hoping for the best at the end of the 90 minutes.
“The good thing is we also have a huge following in Harare and I am urging our supporters to come in their numbers because this is going to be a very interesting game to watch,” said Ndlovu.

Bosso seized the initiative during the midweek, albeit in disputed circumstances, when they edged Triangle 1-0 at Barbourfields courtesy of Ozias Zibande’s 105th minute goal.

The Bulawayo giants are set to welcome striker Njabulo Ncube from a red card suspension, which gives Ndlovu more options upfront.
But there were still concerns over the fitness of central defender Dumisani Ndlovu.

Bosso have shown great determination in the last two years under their Zambian mentor Kaindu.
Last year they counted themselves unlucky when they came out second best after losing to Dynamos on the last day of the season on goal difference.

Kaindu has given them a competitive edge which had lacked since 2006 when they last won the championship.
His absence was felt when the team last visited Harare and played a 1-1 draw with relegated Motor Action two weeks ago.
But Ndlovu yesterday expressed confidence and said Bosso were in high spirits.

“Everyone is focused and, hopefully, with the right mentality and attitude we will get a positive result.
“As Highlanders we have been taking it one game at a time this season which enabled us to go back to the top of the table.
“We would like to continue in that vein till the end of the season,” said Ndlovu.

Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi yesterday said his side is also looking for a positive result to keep their ambitions alive for a maiden championship.

City have had a fantastic run in only their second year of Premiership football.
But their preparations have been affected negatively by a bout of injuries and fatigue.

“It was always going to be difficult for us in terms of preparations because of the injuries we have. In fact, we didn’t train at all this week to allow our players get some recovery.

“I think we have played too many games and travelled a lot.
“Right now we have Silas (Songani), Kalongonda and Tongai Chiworeso who are still doubtful with injuries. Otherwise everyone else is fit to play and we still expect the same positive result on Sunday,” said Mawiwi.

City, who settled for a disappointing 0-0 draw with Motor Action on Wednesday, will have to raise their game as they have been inconsistent of late, winning only two of their last eight matches while six ended in stalemates.

DeMbare and FC Platinum will also be following this match with vested interests as it has a bearing in the championship race which is now heading towards the finishing line.

With this in mind, City are likely to enjoy full backing of the majority of the Dynamos supporters.
Highlanders will eliminate third-placed City from the competition if they win tomorrow.

Bosso might as well be crowned champions, that is, if they win while Dynamos and FC Platinum lose in the other matches.