Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS coach Kelvin Kaindu is walking a tightrope of caution and confidence as his side prepares to lock horns with a familiar nemesis, FC Platinum, in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League headliner that promises fireworks at Barbourfields Stadium this Sunday.
Though Bosso sit loftier on the log, fourth with 17 points, the ghosts of last season’s double defeat to Pure Platinum Play still linger heavily over Emagumeni. The Bulawayo giants lost 0-2 in Zvishavane and 0-1 at home to the Midlands powerhouse, and Kaindu knows Sunday’s tie is not just about three points. It’s about redemption.
“Last season, this is a team that we failed to beat home and away. Looking at this season, they have not started very well. However, despite the number of draws, they still remain unbeaten. That shows they can get the rhythm any time,” Kaindu said during the week.
Indeed, despite languishing in eighth place with 14 points, FC Platinum are yet to taste defeat this term. That’s what makes them so dangerous, Kaindu insists, a sleeping giant capable of waking up at any moment.
“They do not really change how they play. They are a team that likes to play from the back through the midfield and they are quite strong in that regard. But I think we have the guys that can stop them,” he said.
This will be the 24th league meeting between the two sides, and the numbers add another layer of tension. FC Platinum edge the head-to-head with 11 wins to Highlanders’ six, with seven draws.
Bosso, however, will have to fight their revenge mission without the calming presence of veteran goalkeeper and captain Ariel “Mangoye” Sibanda, who has been ruled out with a minor injury.
“It’s a minor injury, but he will not be available for Sunday. He has not been training,” confirmed Kaindu.
His absence leaves a big decision between the posts, with Reward Muza or Raphael Pitisi likely to start, while the armband duties are expected to fall to the fit-again Andrew “Tower” Mbeba, who is returning from a layoff.
“We had about seven players suffering knocks, but we are hopeful they will be ready by Sunday,” Kaindu revealed, speaking on the broader injury concerns in the squad.
Despite the setbacks, Bosso are riding the wave of a confidence-boosting 2-0 win over Yadah and will be looking to build on that momentum in front of their faithful home crowd. And the club clearly senses the magnitude of the occasion.
In anticipation of a bumper turnout, Highlanders have announced revised gate charges: general admission rises from US$3 to US$5, VIP tickets go for US$10, while the VVIP experience will set fans back US$20.
