Bosso spoiling to pluck Chicken Inn

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo derby pitting Highlanders and sizzling hot Chicken Inn this afternoon will be a blood and thunder affair.
A humdinger is certainly on the cards, never mind that Amahlolanyama have been a source of misery to their fans, especially at the once intimidating Emagumeni.

But this is a derby.

Derbies have nothing to do with form, they have nothing to do with coaches but they have everything to do with bragging rights for the players who would want to outdo each other at any given occasion. Some played junior football together and that personal ego is still there.

Joey Antipas, the Chicken Inn coach must be aware that derbies are always full of surprises.

He said that he is afraid Highlanders might just come up with a trick up their sleeves and upset the applecart.

He, however, has at his disposal Edmore Chirambadare who has a deadly left foot. His combination with former FC Platinum player Mitchelle Katsvairo has been a marvel to watch.

Bosso are likely to welcome tried and tested midfield maestro Mthulisi Maphosa who will contend with gritty Thabani Goredema in the crucial midfield area.

With right back Webster Chingodza ruled out because of suspension, Highlanders coach Bongani Mafu will have to make a decisive move on who to throw in. Erick Mudzingwa, Simon Munawa and Welcome Ndiweni are all possible replacements for the inform Chingodza.

Upfront Bongani Mafu, almost forced out of Highlanders by angry fans after the 0-1 defeat to Chapungu, will throw in his trio of Gabriel Nyoni, Thomas Chideu and Obadiah Tarumbwa, if he recovered.

Barring any funny officiating, the match certainly has all the ingredients of a thriller with long lasting memories.

Both home teams, Chicken Inn and How Mine have maintained the normal gate charges that will see the minimum ticket going for $3.

Fixtures:

Saturday: Chicken Inn v Highlanders (Barbourfields Stadium), Harare City v Hwange (Rufaro Stadium), Flame Lily FC v Buffaloes (Lafarge Stadium), FC Whawha v ZPC Kariba (Ascot Stadium).

Sunday: How Mine v Dynamos (B/F), Caps United v Chapungu (Ascot), FC Platinum v Triangle (Mandava).