Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO football giants Highlanders are set to march into the cauldron of Sakubva Stadium this afternoon for their Week 30 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter against Manica Diamonds.
The potentially exciting tie comes days after the conclusion of the Fifa International break that saw the country’s flagship football team, the Warriors beat Namibia in back-to-back matches in South Africa.
Before the break, Bosso dismissed visiting ZPC Kariba 2-0 in a match that was played in front of probably Highlanders’ lowest crow in 20 years, 1 400 fans following a boycott call meant to register their concern over wanting decisions that have been continuously made by match officials.
At a time when the 2024 season has reached fever pitch, Bosso and the Gem Boys are tied on 44 points, triumphing 11 times, playing 11 draws and losing on seven occasions and the Bulawayo giants have a better goal difference.
Highlanders head coach Kelvin Kaindu is optimistic that his charges still have a chance to enhance their position on the table.
“The only thing that separates us is the goal difference. This makes it very interesting that both teams will be fighting for the fourth position. I am sure it is going to be an open game. Everybody will want to get maximum points. Aspirations are still open. There are still a number of games to be played and points to be competed for and this is the most important game because we are tied on the points,” said Kaindu.
He added: “It’s probably one of the most interesting games of the season so far. We are even on points. If you look at the log standings, we have an identical number of games that have been won, an identical number of games that have been drawn and an identical number of games that have been lost.”
Bosso will welcome the Young Warriors duo of Prince Ndlovu and Mvelo Khoza from national duty where they took part in the Under 20 Cosafa competition held in Mozambique and the Zambian mentor hopes the players will continue from where they left in national team colours.
“With the coming in of the two Under-20 players, and the performances they displayed, we saw Prince scoring when they participated in the Under-20 competition. It’s a good motivation for the team and we just hope that they can duplicate that in the league as well,” said Kaindu.
Last season, Manica Diamonds, who are under the tutelage of ex-Warriors and Young Warriors gaffer Jairos Tapera, finished as the first runners up and it is a development that has compelled their bald headed mentor to continue hoping for another fine finish.
“Games against Highlanders are always difficult. However, we compete in the same league which means we will have to play and match them. While it is unfortunate that we will be without Trevor (Mavhunga), Chisi (Tawanda) and goalkeeper Tadios Baye, we will have to fight for another strong finish,” said Tapera.
His side will need to be wary of the country’s joint leading top goalscorer Lynoth “Sonjy” Chikuhwa who will naturally be hard pressed to increase his tally from 12.
Chikuhwa enjoys a good striking partnership with newcomer Never Rauzhi and Brighton “MaNinja” Ncube.
In the first leg encounter played on 23 May at Emagumeni, Bosso and Manica Diamonds played to a one all draw.
Meanwhile, Arenel Movers head coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube has vowed that they are going to throw everything at visiting Dynamos when the two teams clash at Barbourfields Stadium this afternoon.
“We mustn’t respect them at all. We will need to throw everything to them from the onset and die once like a boxer. It is not going to be an easy match and if we are still dreaming about surviving relegation we will have to get a result against Dynamos,” said the outspoken Ncube.
In the first leg tie played in Harare, DeMbare edged the sweets makers 2-1.
In another match also set for today, CAPS United will welcome unpredictable Bulawayo Chiefs at Rufaro Stadium. — @FungaiMuderere.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo