Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS are determined to bring FC Hunters’ impressive winning run to an end when the two sides clash at Rufaro Stadium in Harare this afternoon, with Bosso eager to bounce back to winning ways and disrupt their opponents’ late-season surge.
Hunters have won their last three matches, building momentum as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign approaches its conclusion. Highlanders, meanwhile, have gone three games without a victory, leaving coach Benjani Mwaruwari keen to see his charges respond with a statement performance.
Mwaruwari said Bosso would relish the opportunity to end Hunters’ run while restoring their own winning touch.
“We would love to end their winning run while bouncing back to winning ways ourselves,” said Mwaruwari.
The encounter presents Highlanders with a test of character against a side whose recent results have brought renewed confidence.
Hunters will be looking to extend their winning streak to four matches, but Bosso have the experience and motivation to make that task difficult.
The challenge for the Bulawayo giants will be to impose themselves early and prevent the hosts from settling into their rhythm. Hunters’ confidence is likely to be high, but Highlanders will hope their quality and experience can make the difference.
Hunters coach Nersbert Saruchera has indicated that he will give some of his younger players an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the country’s traditional football giants. He has, however, made it clear that his team will not abandon its usual style because of the opposition.
That approach could make the hosts dangerous, particularly if their young players carry the freedom and confidence that have characterised the team’s recent performances.
Highlanders will need to combine discipline with greater attacking purpose. Their season has been characterised by an inability to convert enough draws into victories, and another missed opportunity would prolong a frustrating spell at a time when they need results to finish the campaign strongly.
Bosso sit eighth on 43 points, with Hunters in 12th place on 37 points. While Highlanders hold the advantage on the standings, their immediate concern will be translating that superiority into a result on the pitch.
The match also offers the Bulawayo side an opportunity to build confidence before their Chibuku Super Cup semi-final against CAPS United on November 1. However, their attention must first be firmly on Hunters and the challenge of stopping a team that has found its winning formula.
With both sets of supporters expected to turn up in numbers at Rufaro, the atmosphere should add to the occasion.
