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Mambare picked up an injury during Highlanders’ 2-1 home win against Motor Action last week while Tshuma who was also in action during that game was injured during training.
Highlanders team doctor, Xolani Ndlovu confirmed the developments and said their vice-captain Eric Mudzingwa had to pass a late fitness test.
“Masimba Mambare and Bruce Tshuma are not available for the Chicken Inn game due to injuries while Eric Mudzingwa has to pass a late fitness test. Mambare will start training next week whereas Tshuma will be out for a couple of weeks,” Ndlovu said.
Mambare has been a marvel for Bosso playing on either side of the midfield. In his absence, Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu might throw into the fray either Heritani Masuku or Arnold Ndiweni.
Highlanders are tied on 46 points with defending champions Dynamos but they are on second position on the log as DeMbare have a superior goal difference.
The Bulawayo giants know that any game lost will see Dynamos opening the lead and they go into the game with one thing in mind— victory.
On a positive note is the return of Milton Ncube who missed the encounter against his former paymasters Motor Action as he was serving suspension.
His availability might see him forming a formidable midfield with Mthulisi Maphosa, Simon Munawa, Warriors trialist Peter “Rio” Moyo and Bhekimpilo “Bhaka” Ncube.
Highlanders skipper Innocent Mapuranga who was on the bench at the weekend when Zimbabwe beat Angola 3-1 in a African Cup of Nations qualifier in Harare is expected to marshal a defence made up of Mudzingwa and wingbacks Bruce Kangwa and Atlast Musasa.
Highlanders will also look to goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda who made his Warriors debut as a second half substitute for injured Tapiwa Kapini.
Chicken Inn are tricky customers and have been playing well this season. Under Adam Ndlovu, the fast-foods outlets sponsored club sits on position five with 33 points from 20 outings. They held Bosso to a goalless draw in the first leg and became the first team to salvage a point this season at Barbourfields Stadium in Week 10.
Last season, in their maiden year in the Premiership, Chicken Inn lost 1-2 at Luveve Stadium and played to a one-all draw against Bosso.
“We take this game seriously because we need the three points. Obviously we respect Highlanders.We are the underdogs, but it should be noted that this is a derby and it can go either way. I can say this is a David-Goliath affair and as a young team, people should come in their numbers and see what we are capable of as well as good football,” said Adam.
He said four of their players were racing against time to pass late fitness tests and they were already preparing without them in mind.
The injured quartet is veteran rock-solid defender Herbert Dick, former Soccer Star of the Year Evans Chikwaikwai, Danny Phiri and striker Lenience Mpofu.
Guide Goddard is likely to start at the heart of defence where he will partner Felix Chindungwe with Thomas Chimenya and Marshal Marime leading the strikeforce for Chicken Inn.
Meanwhile, Quelaton’s assistant coach Chipo Tsodzo yesterday said they were going to give FC Platinum a good run for their money this afternoon at Luveve Stadium.
“The guys have been working hard and it’s a pity that we are at the bottom of the log. We will not go down without a fight and whoever thinks is going to have an easy road past us has to think again.
“I think we have built a good defence and midfield but we are lacking in the final third and that is where we have been concentrating,” Tsodzo said.
Fixtures
Today: Motor Action v Black Mambas (Motor Action Sports Club), Quelaton v FC Platinum (Luveve Stadium), Gunners v Buffaloes (Lafarge), Caps United v Hardbody (National Sports Stadium), Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas), Blue Rangers v Monomotapa (Gwanzura)
Tomorrow: Harare City v Dynamos (Rufaro), Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Babourfields)
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