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HIGHLANDERS’ new mentor Amin Soma-Phiri might be fast earning the plaudits for his “modern’’ training methods, but still, sceptics insist, the taste of the pudding remains in the “eating”. All eyes will be on Amin Soma-Phiri to turn that impressive training resume, into a winning formula for Bosso, a team that has not known consistency and the goodwill that goes with a side once known as “Ithimu yezwe lonke”.
Hate him or like him, Soma-Phiri, largely through his body language, since he took over from Bongani Mafu, says he can turn around the fortunes of the “sleeping giant.’’
However, in his second game in charge his side flattered to deceive against Flame Lily in a hard fought 1-0 victory. The Highlanders versus Caps United match at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon is all about credibility and PSL survival.
Highlanders have had a disastrous season, in which they have managed 28 points and are in 10th position going into this weekend’s fixtures, an unbelievable 21 points behind leaders Chicken Inn.
The new technical team that includes Cosmas “Tsano” Zulu as technical advisor has managed one win out of two matches and has a mountain to climb in trying to get Highlanders to finish in a credible position at the end of the season.
Caps United will be looking to complete a double over Highlanders after a 1-0 win at Barbourfields Stadium in May. Bosso, though, appear to be happy with the return of their chief striker Knox Mutizwa who was away with the national Under-23 at the Africa Games in Congo-Brazzaville.
Another surprise package for the Bosso faithfuls might be the resurgence of veteran striker Ralph Matema, who is expected to announce his return to the club since he left the team in August 2007.
derick.khumalo