admin
Zibande picked up an ankle injury during training and together with Lawson Nkomo failed to recover on time to be part of the soldiers that are looking at hitting game number 19 without a loss.
Highlanders are just three games shy of matching the 21- game unbeaten run reached by city neighbours Zimbabwe Saints in 1978.
“Ozizi (Zibande) did not make it after he picked an ankle injury during training,” said team doctor Xolani Ndlovu.
However, coach Kelvin Kaindu said while they would have wanted to have young Zibande, who has hit the nets three times in seven appearances, the team had able replacements.
“We believe in all our players and those thrust into the team will just have to deliver,” said Kaindu.
He said the preparations during the week went on well and were looking forward to posting another positive result today, although they are aware of what to expect from their opponents.
The Zambian said Harare City can talk as much as they want but Highlanders will do most of that on the field of play this afternoon.
“To us this is just like any other game although we treat every game differently,” said Kaindu.
Highlanders face a Harare City side whose goalkeeper John Nomore was at the centre of the controversy that led to the Bulawayo giants being fined $5 000 by the Premier Soccer League’s disciplinary committee after their fans invaded the pitch in protest over Nomore’s delaying antics.
The heavy fine for the cash weak log leaders will stoke emotions as Bosso troop out of the Rufaro dugout at 3pm today.
With an eight-point lead over arch enemies Dynamos, Highlanders will extend that gap to 11, at least for 24 hours, if they come back to Bulawayo with maximum points.
Left back Bruce Kangwa, given an injury scare during the week, was given an all clear by the medical team and is expected to be part of the Highlanders defence that has conceded just a single goal in three matches in the second half, in the process hitting the nets a massive 10 times.
Skipper Innocent Mapuranga, who sources say sealed his national team place with a blinder of a performance in an international friendly against Zambia in which he was partnered by Dynamos Partson Jaure, will have Erick “Tsiba” Mudzingwa on his side with Bruce Tshuma or Atlast Musasa operating from the right.
Goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda will keep his place in between the posts. In midfield, Bosso will have the general himself, Mthulisi Maphosa, whose play especially in the second half has not been to the expected level. He will just be in front of the defenders with Peter “Rio” Moyo given a free role. Cheeky Masimba Mambare, who should fight to reach 15 games for Highlanders in order to qualify for the Soccer Star of the Year finalist selection process, is once again expected to be at his best on the wings together with the second leading top goalscorer with 10 goals, Milton Ncube.
Bhekimpilo Ncube, who knows the Rufaro turf inside out, is also set to start while any of Beavan Chikaka or Graham Ncube can be thrust as the lone striker although indications were that 16-year-old Mgcini Sibanda could be a surprise choice.
Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi still believes his team has what it takes to stop Highlanders especially after holding them to a 1-1 draw at Barbourfields Stadium and even missing a penalty in the process.
In the second half, Quelaton also believed, Caps United also believed so did Gunners but all the three teams are the reason why Bosso collected nine points in three games.
Rufaro Stadium without doubt will be packed as some Bosso fans left the City yesterday evening while some drove to the capital this morning in a bid to be part of the witnesses to the 19 game record.
Bottom placed Quelaton will this afternoon play host to Mutare-based Buffaloes at Luveve Stadium and returnee coach Farai Sibanda, the man who gave them seven points, believes all hope is not lost in the relegation fight and anyone who doubts them will be in for a shock.
“It’s only that we have not been enjoying any luck as the boys are playing well and our chances of surviving are still very much alive. If the boys play according to our plans which I know they will, then a positive result is possible,” said Sibanda.
He said their approach to the game would however not change. Quelaton are sitting at the bottom of the table with a paltry five points and what has worsened their cause is that those teams on top of them have been picking up points here and there.
Luveve Stadium will also play host to the Chicken Inn/Shabanie Mine match tomorrow where both teams are looking for a win after firing blanks in their last two matches.
The Adam Ndlovu-coached boys have a psychological advantage over a troubled Shabanie Mine as they are yet to lose to them.
Ndlovu has already declared that they want nothing other than three points.
In Harare the capital literally comes to a standstill when rivals Caps United and Dynamos clash in a blood and thunder encounter at the giant National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Makepekepe are yet to taste a win in eight games while the 2011 league champions have no idea what a lose is over the same number of games.
The two sides are separated by 15 points, Dynamos on second spot while Caps United are sitting in an unfamiliar 11th place and as it stands now, they are technically on 16 points and 13th on the standings as Motor Action have appealed to the Zifa Appeals committee over a decision to award Caps United three points after the Bulls refused to fullfil the fixture.
Makepekepe though, got a boost from club legend and skipper Silver “Bhonzo” Chigwenje who called on the Caps United family to show total commitment to the club by rendering their support to the boys whole-heartedly.
“Let’s motivate players to show that we care about them on and off the football pitch, support them, show a genuine interest. This will show them that we really care about them and once they believe we truly care they will fight, fight and fight,” said the man who led a then mean Green Machine to their first post-independence title.
Fixtures
Today: Harare City v Highlanders (Rufaro), Blue Rangers v Hardbody (Gwanzura), FC Platinum v Monomotapa (Mandava), Gunners v Black Mambas (Lafarge), Quelaton v Buffaloes (Luveve), Motor Action v Hwange (Motor Action Sports Club).
Tomorrow: Caps United v Dynamos (National Sports Stadium), Chicken Inn v Shabanie Mine (Luveve).
Online Reporter