Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
INTERIM Highlanders coach, Try Ncube, has revealed that players were affected by the decision to fire coach Kevin Kaindu on Monday following a string of poor results, especially in the last six MatchDays.
Bosso, who were at one stage just four points behind then leaders MWOS, have fallen 12 points behind after a run of just five points from the last six matches, including two defeats at home to Herentals and Simba Bhora.
Kaindu seemed to have a good relationship with the players and his former assistant Ncube said they had to psyche them to refocus on the new challenge.
“Obviously it had an impact, especially on the first day. But we tried to psyche up the players and yesterday (Wednesday) we saw a different mood and we are hoping to see more improvements.”
Ncube said they will fight for the Highlanders badge on Sunday and try to be competitive with or without the ball as they seek to appease the Barbourfields crowd.
“It’s a tricky game because MWOS are a good side. They beat us in our first match of the season but we are prepared to face them and I hope the players will apply themselves well, we are going to get a result.
“We have been working on combinations in midfield and going forward so that we can manage to be scoring goals as a team that will be playing at home.”
Ncube said their mission is to bring joy to Bosso fans.
Highlanders have not adjusted their entry charges for Sunday’s game with the cheapest ticket costing US$3, VIP charging US$5 and US$10 for the VVIP.
“The primary objective is to win, we know our fans want to win and we really want to win, there is really no other way. Our objective is to win on Sunday, and we know it is not going to be easy.”
Highlanders dropped 12 points at Barbourfields in eight matches of the first half of the season.
In eight matches at Barbourfields in the first half of the season, Kaindu’s Highlanders managed just three wins against teams in the bottom half of the league − Kwekwe United (4-0), CAPS United (1-0) and Bikita Minerals.
derick.khumalo