Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu has called upon his team to demonstrate their mental fortitude when they face Chicken Inn at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
Bosso has not done well against the Gamecocks in recent games.
In 2022, the two sides drew both their league matches, while last year, Chicken Inn was the second team to beat Highlanders in the league winning 2-0 before the teams played to a goalless draw in the second leg.
This season Chicken Inn won 2-1 in the first round of fixtures.
“There hasn’t been any change in terms of the players that are injured. We did not want to risk most of them and bring them back before they are fully healed. It’s all to do with our mental character.
“The statistics have not been good or impressive for us against Chicken Inn in the last seasons. They enjoy better statistics than us going into this game,” said Kaindu.
Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas said his team is ready for the big game.
“Our preparations have gone well and we are ready for the game. Of course, we have Itai Mabhunu out on suspension but I think we have good replacements in Lincoln Mangaira whom I feel will be able to cover the gap left by Mabhunu. We are looking forward to the game and we hope to put up a good show. Generally, I think we are ready for the game,” said Antipas.
Both teams will be without some key players owing to suspension.
Bosso will be without Peter Muduhwa while Chicken Inn will be without Mabhunu.
It will be interesting to see how Kaindu will line up his defence in the absence of Muduhwa.
Perhaps, Mudhuwa’s absence will see the return of Andrew Mbeba into the team to partner tough nut Arthur Ndlovu.
Mbeba has been sidelined for several matches now purportedly for disciplinary issues.
Whoever makes the team has to be wary of the pace of the Chicken Inn forward line which has Michael Charamba, Malvin Hwata and Brian Muza.
Fixtures
Today: Chicken Inn vs Highlanders (Barbourfields), Bikita Minerals vs FC Platinum (Sakubva), Caps United vs Manica Diamonds (Rufaro), Chegutu vs Yadah (Baobab). – @innocentskizoe.
Online Reporter