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In the first leg played at Maglas Stadium Bosso won 2-0 but their performance is now different from the first half of the season where the players had the energy, zeal and hunger to bury their opponents.
However, Highlanders’ coach Kelvin Kaindu believes his charges will put up a better show against the former asbestos miners.
He said the three points at stake are important for any team with championship ambitions as well as those that are fighting relegation.
“At this level of the game maximum points are important for any team in the league be it the one chasing championship or not. The past games are water under the bridge and the game against Shabanie Mine is going to be a different game and the approach from the players will also be different,” said the Zambian expatriate.
In their last league game against Chicken Inn, Bosso players put a disappointing performance which left many wondering whether they had lost championship hopes.
Going into tomorrow’s game, Highlanders have been boosted by the availability of defence stalwart Eric Mudzingwa who was doubtful for the encounter as he had been carrying an ankle injury.
Another plus for Kaindu is the return of attacking midfielder Masimba Mambare who had missed the Chicken Inn and Blue Rangers games due to injury.
“Bruce Kangwa and Honest Moyo will not be eligible for selection but I am pleased to announce that Mudzingwa recovered in time,” said Xolani Ndlovu, Highlanders doctor.
The unavailability of Kangwa and Moyo should be a headache for Kaindu as he will have to juggle around his defence.
This might mean that Atlast Musasa will be moved to the left side of defence with Lawson Nkomo playing as a right wingback while Mudzingwa and captain Innocent Mapuranga are at the centre of defence.
Mthulisi Maphosa, Peter “Rio” Moyo, Bhekimpilo “Bhaka” Ncube, Milton Ncube, Mambare, Heritein Masuku, Arnold Ndiweni and Simon Munawa are battling for places in the midfield with Graham Ncube, Beavan Chikaka and Cleopas Dube expected to lead the strike force.
However, Bosso should be wary of Shabanie Mine as the Chinda Boys’ gaffer Luke Masomere said they were coming to Bulawayo for a positive result.
“We are coming for a positive result and everyone in the team is raring to go.
“What I know is that we are going to score one or two goals and our top scorer Nelson Mazivisa is looking at scoring at Barbourfields Stadium,” said Masomere.
Some of the players to watch from Shabanie Mine are Raymond Sibanda, Tarisai Rukanda, Smart Muchabaiwa and goalkeeper Roy Mazingi.
Meanwhile, Chicken Inn will be without Sydney Linyama and Herbert Dick in their hunt for maximum points against Black Mambas is Harare this afternoon.
Quelaton travel to the capital for a date with relegation threatened Blue Rangers tomorrow.
Fixtures
Today: Black Mambas v Chicken Inn (Morris Depot), Monomotapa v Hwange (Rufaro), FC Platinum v Caps United (Mandava)
Tomorrow: Hardbody v Gunners (Ascot), Highlanders v Shabanie Mine (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Motor Action (Rufaro), Blue Rangers v Quelaton (Gwanzura), Buffaloes v Harare City (Sakubva)
Online Reporter