adminHIGHLANDERS’ coach Bongani Mafu will be hoping for a change of fortune at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon where his side clash with neighbours How Mine in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer league match that promises thrills and spills.
For the umpteenth time the Highlanders gaffer will be out to forge lasting camaraderie with the hard-to-please Highlanders supporters at a venue where Bosso, has in as many matches, flattered only to deceive.
The Bulawayo giants’ form has not been impressive of late, and if anything, it has been downright pathetic. It has been in such form that it had cast aspersions over Bosso’s intentions to deliver to their millions of supporters the Premiership title they last bagged in 2006. And Mafu does not have to be reminded that a loss for Highlanders today might revive speculation about his job as head coach.
However, How Mine have been riding high in their recent matches, while Highlanders’ showed a glimpse of rising from the dead securing the vital four points in their last league outings.
Admittedly the marathon is still in its early stages, as they say the early bird catches the worm, and both sides are expected to take heed of that saying by waging an intriguing war.
Highlanders might lack the flamboyance and that fighting spirit of yesteryear, but will be hard-pressed for a win at home, and all eyes will be on coach Mafu who has already promised the Bosso faithfuls that his mission, starting with today’s game will be to turn BF once again into a cauldron for visiting teams.
And Bosso’s chances will hinge on how Mafu re-arranges his problematic midfield department where some visiting opponents have shown disrespect.
How Mine are led by an experienced and revered gaffer in coach Luke Masomere, while Highlanders are under the tutelage of an eager unknown Mafu, these are some of the pointers to a potential humdinger at Emagumeni.
Masomere has viable options in veteran Menard Mupera, joint top goalscorers last season, Charles Sibanda and Kuda Musharu, the slippery Timothy January and the ageless Limited Chikafa, while Mafu will look to his young heroes of last weekend’s match against FC Platinum away from home, Knox Mutizwa, Rahman Kutsanzira and King Nadolo.
Fixtures
Dongo Sawmills vs Harare City (Vengere), Buffaloes vs Whawha (Sakubva), Hwange vs FC Platinum (Colliery), Triangle vs Tsholotsho (Gibbo), Caps United vs Flame Lily (NSS), Highlanders vs How Mine (BF).
Online Reporter