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Mzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter—
HIGHLANDERS will not be taking chances when they clash with FC Platinum in a blockbuster encounter at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow. The epic duel will wrap up an action-packed football programme in the City of Kings which saw Bantu take on ZPC Kariba yesterday while How Mine FC entertain Harare City at Luveve Stadium this afternoon.
Zvishavane-based FC Platinum will be making their fourth trip to the city and meet Highlanders having already breached their Emagumeni fortress twice so far, beating Bosso 6-5 in a penalty shootout in the Independence Cup semi-final followed by a 3-2 victory in the army charities play offs.
Highlanders coach Kelvin Kaindu said he was not worried about the cup games’ statistics as they want to maintain their dominance over the Midlands side in the league.
“We are not worried about them because they are yet to beat us in a league game. We have an upper hand going into the encounter,” he said.
Kaindu said they expect a top drawer match against the platinum miners.
“It will be an interesting game, the fact that they have won in cup games spices up the encounter but we are ready for them. It will be exciting,” he said.
His opposite number Lloyd Mutasa said they expect a tough encounter against pacesetters Highlanders who are yet to lose a match this season.
“We expect a tough game on Sunday (tomorrow). They (Highlanders) are one of the best teams in the league and are in fine form. But football being football only after 90 minutes can we tell. We hope to match them like we did in cup games but this will be a different ball game altogether.
“We will try to do our best to win but the better team on the day will be victorious. The majority of our boys are available so it will be a good game,” said Mutasa.
FC Platinum will pin their hopes on Thabani Kamusoko, Allan Gahadzikwa, Mitchelle Katsvairo, Donald Ngoma, Njabulo “Tshiki” Ncube, Tarisai Rukanda, Nelson Maziwisa and Qadr Amin to inspire them to a first league win at Barbourfields against Highlanders.
Charles Sibanda will be eager to score his first goal against his former paymasters as he is expected to lead the attack alongside young Ozias Zibande.
Bosso are sweating over the absence of Peter “Rio” Moyo, Kuda Mahachi, Mthulisi Maphosa and Njabulo Nyoni who are injured.
Platinum are on position nine on the table with 12 points from three wins while Highlanders are leading the pack with 19 points after five wins and four draws.
In today’s Premiership encounter, Philani “Beefy” Ncube will be hoping to get the better of Harare City who are desperate for points.
The Bigboy Mawiwi coached outfit has failed to produce last season’s outstanding performances which saw them stunning Highlanders 4-0.
How Mine will be hoping Kuda Musharu, Timothy January and midfielder Menard Mupera are in top form as they seek to go top of the table.
Mawiwi has at his disposal Misheck Mburayi, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Agrippa Muripa, Timire Mamvura, Benson Maglasi and Arnold Chiveya.
Chicken Inn travel to Zvishavane to take on Shabanie Mine with a depleted side as Danny “Deco” Phiri is on trials in South Africa, Tendai Mukambi is sidelined through injury and Ishmael Lawe is on suspension.
The Gamecocks have added highly rated goalkeeper Pride Zendera from Swaziland to their squad.
Meanwhile, new Highlanders chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede says they will continue with strict gate management to maximise on revenue at matches.
Highlanders will only allow a few cars into the stadium and those with VVIP cards will be expected to use Gate One while only those accredited by the PSL, journalists and others will use Gate Three.
“The car park towards the Soweto End will be reserved for the VIP and DStv Outside Broadcasting vans. No other cars will be allowed there. Cars will be parked outside.
“We are trying to decongest parking so that if something happens the ambulances can move freely. We are also trying to maximise on revenue,” Gumede said.
Highlanders have in the past lost out on revenue at the grandstand which would be full of people who would have gained free entry even when those people can afford to pay.
Bosso officials said some bigwigs even bring along very expensive whisky to drink there yet they demand to go in for free. They claimed that a majority of them have done nothing tangible for both the game and Highlanders.
Today: How Mine v Harare City (Luveve Stadium), Chapungu v Caps United (Ascot), Black Rhinos v Buffaloes (Rimuka), Chiredzi v Hwange (Chishamiso)
Tomorrow: Highlanders v FC Platinum (Barbourfields), Dynamos v Triangle (National Sports Stadium), Shabanie Mine v Chicken Inn (Maglas)
derick.khumalo